As usual there’s no shortage of jazz happening around the city after the Chicago Jazz Festival winds down each night. Trumpeter and reedist Ira Sullivan returns to host the celebrated Jazz Showcase jam sessions, which reliably attract artists in town for the fest—club manager Wayne Segal says this year’s likely participants include Donald Harrison, Larry Gray, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Jack DeJohnette, Muhal Richard Abrams, Paul Wertico, and Robert Glasper. The Jazz Showcase sessions tend to be pretty mainstream, but those looking for something more avant-garde can check out David Boykin’s seventh annual Hereafter Fest at Heaven Gallery. Constellation is getting into the game during its first Jazz Festival weekend, presenting Friday and Saturday trio concerts by New Orleans saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan, bassist William Parker, and drummer Alvin Fielder, whose sets will almost certainly turn into free-jazz romps. For years Jordan led afterfest jam sessions with Fred Anderson at the Velvet Lounge, so it’s great to have him back.
See our previews of acts playing on:
Thursday & Friday ·Saturday ·Sunday
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Friday 30
Hereafter Fest VII: Satoko Fujii & KAZE with guests Renee Baker, David Boykin, and Dan Godston; Microcosmic Sound Orchestra; DJ Anaya Contreras 9 PM, Heaven Gallery, $10 suggested donation
Edward “Kidd” Jordan, William Parker, Alvin Fielder, and guests 9:30 PM, Constellation, $15, $10 in advance
Afterfest jam sessions hosted by Ira Sullivan 9 PM, Jazz Showcase, $20, $35 VIP
