When the music ends at the Jazz Festival, it’s usually just starting somewhere else in the city. This year’s afterfest offerings, like last year’s, aren’t quite as rich as they’ve often been in the past, but there are plenty of worthwhile options each night, from loose jam sessions to full-blown concerts. There are of course more jazz shows in town this weekend than I’m listing here; I’ve restricted myself to those with some connection to the festival. On Thursday the postfest action includes an 80th birthday concert by pianist Ahmad Jamal at Pritzker Pavilion, where official Jazz Festival shows will have wrapped up just hours earlier. The final installment of this year’s Made in Chicago series, the show features Jamal and his working band, Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and then a combined set from both groups.
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Jam sessions hosted by Eric Schneider, Willie Pickens, and George Fludas Thu-Sun 9/2-9/5, 8 PM, Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth, 312-360-0234, $20, 21+.
Kidd Jordan, Mars Williams, Harrison Bankhead, Henry Grimes, and Avreeayl Ra Sat 9/4, 9:30 PM, Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak, 312-791-9050, $20, 21+.
Corey Wilkes & Abstrakt Pulse Sun 9/5, 10:30 PM, Creative Lounge Chicago, 1564 N. Damen, 312-805-3646, $10 suggested donation.
