The Top Places to Hear Live Jazz Outdoors in Chicago This Summer

July 4, 2019 | Arts & Culture | Entertainment | Features
The Top Places to Hear Live Jazz Outdoors in Chicago This Summer

Chicago is an excellent place to hear top-notch live jazz, and the summer is the best time to enjoy that jazz outdoors in Chicago. Like New Orleans and New York, Chicago was home to many pioneers of early jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Joseph “King” Oliver, and Earl Hines. Current residents of OneEleven love to explore both traditional and up-and-coming styles of music. Also, the city’s diverse cultural heritage fuels Chicago’s passion for the arts. Here are some of the best places to hear “all that jazz” while enjoying the warm weather this summer.

 

Water Colors

Water Colors is a collaboration between Navy Pier and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. This series features some of Chicago’s top jazz musicians performing tunes from a variety of eras. Water Colors takes place on Fridays from July 12 until August 23 at the Lake Stage in Polk Brothers Park.

 

Jazzin’ at the Shedd

Spend an afternoon wandering among dolphins, seals, and colorful fish. Then head outside to hear some top-notch jazz outdoors in Chicago. Jazzin’ at the Shedd takes place on the terrace at Shedd Aquarium every Wednesday evening until August 28. Attendees can enjoy music and drinks in the evening, and admission is free for aquarium members. This series features both large jazz ensembles and small combos.

 

Chicago Jazz Festival

The Chicago Jazz Festival began in honor of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, two of the most legendary jazz musicians. This year’s festival runs from August 23 through September 1. The free event takes place in Millennium Park and at the Chicago Cultural Center. Also, it features a huge variety of top jazz performers from around town and around the world.

 

Spend the summer attending music festivals or listening to jazz outdoors in Chicago. If you love the outdoors, you can also spend the summer exploring the city’s waterfront parksContact OneEleven to learn more about living near all of your favorite performances and other cultural events.