Chicago is a city that has helped shape the American music industry. Because of the 1917 migration of southern musicians to the North, Chicago has been a major music center recognized around the world for its distinctive forms of blues, swing, and – particularly – jazz music. From the Ragtime stylings of Jelly Roll Morton to Chicago-native “King of Swing” Benny Goodman, the Windy City has seen many innovators of jazz grace the stages of clubs across town – often performing nightly jam sessions that would last till dawn.
And because of its immense musical past, Chicago has some of the most historic jazz clubs and venues in the United States. These clubs continue to entertain patrons with music by in-demand jazz artists just like they have been since the very beginning. If you’re looking for a club with upbeat tunes, here is our list of the best, most historic jazz clubs in Chicago:
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a distinguished jazz club in Uptown that has been celebrated for their impressive bebop, traditional, and Dixieland style performances. The venue was founded in 1907, originally as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse. A few years later, it was renamed Green Mill Gardens as a salute to the Moulin Rouge “Red Mill” in Paris. However, “gardens” was officially dropped in the 1920’s when the construction of the Uptown Theater began taking place, leaving it to be called “Green Mill” as we know it today. Since the beginning, Green Mill has been widely acknowledged for its myriad of legendary jazz performers. It is also recognized for its Uptown poetry slam nights and historic affiliations with the infamous Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit during the Prohibition era. Located on Broadway, current owner Dave Jemilo has maintained the Green Mill “speakeasy” atmosphere with an assortment of art deco/art nouveau interiors and no-shenanigans attitude when performers are onstage. The Green Mill is a cozy spot in Chicago with shows every night of the week. Upcoming events in April include:
April 02 – The Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra (9pm – 1am)
April 04 – Jazz Party with SABERTOOTH Organ Quartet (midnight – 5am)
April 06 – Patricia Barber Quartet (9pm – 1am)
For more performances at the Green Mill, check out their calendar page.
Jazz Showcase
The Jazz Showcase was founded in 1947 by NEA Jazz Master Joe Segal and is said to be the oldest jazz venue in the city. Now owned and operated by Joe’s son Wayne, the Jazz Showcase continues to thrive and bring award-winning artists to its residence at South Plymouth Court. Even after retirement, Joe continues to take part in his iconic club by greeting patrons and chatting with guests as they take their seat. Famous faces that have played at the Jazz Showcase include piano guru Danilo Perez, drums player Paul Wertico, and jazz saxophonist Chris Potter. But that’s not all. The Jazz Showcase is noted for their family-friendly Sunday Matinee at 4 pm – offering discounted tickets for students, musicians, senior citizens, and members of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Upcoming events at the Jazz Showcase:
April 02 – 05: Pianist Bob Dogan Quintet (8pm & 10pm)
April 06: Bob Lark, DePaul Jazz Ensemble & European jazz saxophonist George Robert (8pm & 10pm)
April 08: Saxophonist Pat Mallinger Classical Jam Session Quartet with Xavier Breaker, Dennis Carroll, and Bradley Williams (8pm & 10pm)
To request tickets or view upcoming showtimes, check out the Jazz Showcase’s calendar events page.
Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant
Andy’s was founded by entrepreneur Andy Rizzuto in 1951. Originally a gastropub for the local businessmen of the newspaper industry, Andy’s has since become a popular jazz joint in town thanks to the help of Scott Chisholm who became owner in 1975. In 1977, Scott got the jazz flow going at Andy’s when he hired jazz artists Penny Tyler and John Defauw to play sessions during the lunch rush. Although lunchtime jam sessions are no longer active, Andy’s has dedicated jazz every evening at 5 and 9 pm. Local bands, artists, and international performers play a wide range of jazz styles like swing, fusion, traditional, and bop for this full house in the Chicago business district. Upcoming performances at Andy’s:
April 04: Rachel Therrion Quartet (5pm & 7pm) & Brian Lynch Quartet (9:30pm & 11:30pm)
April 05: Charles Heath’s Early Riser Jam (5pm & 7pm) & Pharez Whitted’s Late Night Jam (9:30pm & 11:30pm)
April 06: The Black Diamond Quartet (5pm & 7pm) & Dana Hall’s Black Fire (9:30pm & 11:30pm)
To purchase tickets for upcoming shows at Andy’s, click here.
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