From Sept. 1-4, the 33rd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, took place in downtown Chicago.
The festival was spread througout multiple locations, starting on Thursday, Sept. 1, with afternoon performances at three different venues located inside the Chicago Cultural Center. Friday evening included the Saxophone Summit featuring Ravi Coltrane (John Coltrane’s son), Joe Lovano, David Liebman and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.
On Saturday and Sunday, the festival moved to Grant Park in a combination of four stages, including the Jazz on Jackson Stage, the Cricket Wireless Jazz & Heritage Stage and the Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage. The last two days, world renowned singer, producer and songwriter Cassandra Wilson and two time Grammy award winner Roy Hargrove, closed out the Labor Day weekend.
Two of the groups that performed on the Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage were The Orbert Davis Academy and Rich Central Jazz Ensemble. The Orbert Davis Academy (named after the artist-in-residence Orbert Davis), consisted of children ranging in ages six to 15 and conquered the stage to the great joy of Davis with an amazing performance of one of Herbie Hancock’s pieces
1.
the kids affectionately renamed “I Want A Cheeseburger”. Davis described how he runs his academy, explaining how and what he and his team teaches the students. This includ– ed live demonstrations of improvisation exercises and word games. His slogan of motivation for his young students: “Every child is a college student.”
The Rich Central Jazz Ensemble played an enjoyable rendition of “Cottontail” under the direction of Philip Crews. On the Jazz & Heritage Stage, Emmy award winner and Chicago native, Joan Collaso, captivated the audience with her smooth and sensual vocals.
An admirable presence, she and her quintet playfully and masterfully rounded the stage with jazz standards such as “The Masquerade is Over,” “Peel Me a Grape” and “Save Your Love for Me.” Swaying onto the stage in a tuxedo and sunglasses, Hargrove took the fest into a rightful end. He made the audience laugh, tear up and romantically snuggle close with their partners. His ability to use the trumpet not only as a horn but as a continuous, melodic voice made the cold breeze and damp ground heaven on earth. All in all, the jazz fest was a tremendous success and hopefully it will continue to be for years to come.