Chicago Jazz Festival

[LWayne]

My wife and I will be using some of that frequent flyer and hotel mileage that I have built up and visiting Chicago on Labor Day weekend to attend the Chicago Jazz Fest. While I have been to many concerts and festivals before, this will be my first trip to the Chicago Jazz Fest and would appreciate any advice and tips from fellow board members.

Given the big names performing on Saturday (Gerald Wilson Orchestra with Kenny Burrell) and Sunday (Ornette Coleman) nights, I would expect that there will be large crowds, weather permitting. Any advice on how early I should get there to stake out a good view? I don't want to fight to be down front, but would like an unobstructed view of the stage.

I am also a big fan of Gerald Wilson and would like to try to get an autograph. Rather than trying to get to the stage, is there another less crowded point of entry? I don't want to hassle the man.

Lastly, and most importantly, I have read in previous postings about the after festival jams at the Jazz Showcase. I have not been to the new location of the Jazz Showcase and was looking for confirmation whether it was worthwhile attending these post show gigs and whether Saturday or Sunday night would be the better choice.

I would love to meet any other board members who might be attending as well.

Looking forward to the festival.

LWayne

Edited August 1, 2008 by LWayne

[sheldonm]

Hey man, I'll be at the festival all week as will Jazzshrink...and Danimal. EJP626 and Sal will most likely make appearances as well. Regarding the main stage (Petrillo Music Shell)...it really doesn't open until about an hour before the evening shows begin. Some of the front and center seats are reserved for members of the Chicago Jazz Institute members but there are plenty of good seats to be had if you're there when that area opens up. As far as getting autographs, there is not really a way to get to the main stage as you'll be run off long before you get there by security and the stage is so deep, getting the artists attention would be tough. Pretty easy to get a good view at the other stages though...as well as autographs if you want them.

The new Showcase has only been open a handful of weeks but it's pretty nice. It's located in Dearborn Station and has ample parking in the area and a handful of great places to eat around there. It's very close to where HotHouse used to be. The afterfest parties at the Showcase will be hosted as in the norm...by Ira Sullivan but others performing will pop in as well. Don't forget the afterfest parties at the Velvet Lounge....sure to be a blast and crowded!

I'll be in town from Tuesday through the end of the festival. PM me for my email and cell number; it would be great to hook up with you!

Mark~

[Chuck Nessa]

What Mark said. I think we will be showing up Thursday and will stay for the duration.

Do not ignore the afternoon activities. Lots of interesting music on the other stages.

Edited August 1, 2008 by Chuck Nessa

[jazzypaul]

And remember that the jazz showcase is far from the only place in town that will have great music going on afterwards!

P.S. stop by the Chicago Jazz Magazine or WDCB tents and come say hi. It gets lonely in there...

[sheldonm]

...just got a note that the afterfest sessions at the Velvet will be Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead and Isaiah Spencer + special guests.

[blake]

My wife and I will be arriving Friday - our first jazz fest too.

[robviti]

...just got a note that the afterfest sessions at the Velvet will be Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead and Isaiah Spencer + special guests.

great! we can retake that photo with fred, kidd, and me. this time i'll try not to inflate my neck like a blowfish.

[papsrus]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

[jazzypaul]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

[sheldonm]

...just got a note that the afterfest sessions at the Velvet will be Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead and Isaiah Spencer + special guests.

great! we can retake that photo with fred, kidd, and me. this time i'll try not to inflate my neck like a blowfish.

..should I post that photo???

[sheldonm]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

..best buy sells jazz cds??? Who knew?

[jazzypaul]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

..best buy sells jazz cds??? Who knew?

only when contractually obligated to do so. Gotta love a CD store onsite of the Chicago Jazz Festival that doesn't stock stuff from Origin, Delmark or Southport, though. That was a great touch.

[jimi089]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

Here, I'll explicate for you: $.

Mark, Kidd and Fred are only doing Saturday/Sunday. Friday will be the Great Black Music Ensemble with special guests from that evening's AACM concert at the festival...

[sheldonm]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

Here, I'll explicate for you: $.

Mark, Kidd and Fred are only doing Saturday/Sunday. Friday will be the Great Black Music Ensemble with special guests from that evening's AACM concert at the festival...

Thanks for the clarification Dan....looking forward to it...and great job on your part!

m~

[rpklich]

The Hungry Brain has had some pretty good after set music as well. http://www.emergingimprovisers.org/events.html

[robviti]

...just got a note that the afterfest sessions at the Velvet will be Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead and Isaiah Spencer + special guests.

great! we can retake that photo with fred, kidd, and me. this time i'll try not to inflate my neck like a blowfish.

..should I post that photo???

only if you want me to post that picture of you with the costa rican midget transvestite porn star.

[jazzypaul]

I wish I could go ... sadly, I think it'll have to wait this year.

As for the autograph thing, I know at the Atlanta festival a few years ago there was a booth set up off to the side of the main stage where some bands would sell autographed copies of their CDs. Good way to meet the musicians and at least let them know how much you enjoy their music. So ... if Gerald Wilson has a new CD out, there might be a similar setup in Chicago. ... Just guessing.

They always do this at whatever company is set up to sell CD's.

In the past, it had been the jazz record mart.

Last year, inexplicably, it was best buy.

Here, I'll explicate for you: $.

Mark, Kidd and Fred are only doing Saturday/Sunday. Friday will be the Great Black Music Ensemble with special guests from that evening's AACM concert at the festival...

Oh, I get it. But if you're going to have a festival whose organizers are so gung-ho on having a festival that is the polar opposite of selling out, then those organizers shouldn't all of the sudden sell out when it comes to supporting local business.

[Chuck Nessa]

Oh, I get it. But if you're going to have a festival whose organizers are so gung-ho on having a festival that is the polar opposite of selling out, then those organizers shouldn't all of the sudden sell out when it comes to supporting local business.

Two very different entities operating here. The JIC does the shows and the City controls the purse strings and does the rest.

[jazzypaul]

Oh, I get it. But if you're going to have a festival whose organizers are so gung-ho on having a festival that is the polar opposite of selling out, then those organizers shouldn't all of the sudden sell out when it comes to supporting local business.

Two very different entities operating here. The JIC does the shows and the City controls the purse strings and does the rest.

For as much as I know about the inner workings here, I didn't know that the JIC wasn't involved in the booths and vendors and such. Which I should, considering that I work in one of those booths every year.

[LWayne]

Just received an email that Greg Osby will be performing at the Green Mill on Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th to celebrate his initial CD release on his own imprint. I am very much looking forward to attending that show.

LWayne

[jazzypaul]

Just received an email that Greg Osby will be performing at the Green Mill on Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th to celebrate his initial CD release on his own imprint. I am very much looking forward to attending that show.

LWayne

there goes any chance of me attempting to lure people to Joey's Brickhouse after the fest to come see my trio play.

Shit, I might bail on my gig to go see that one.

[ejp626]

Just received an email that Greg Osby will be performing at the Green Mill on Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th to celebrate his initial CD release on his own imprint. I am very much looking forward to attending that show.

LWayne

Great news. He was just here playing at Andies and I nearly went but just wasn't feeling well. I will try to make the Friday set.

[sheldonm]

...just got a note that the afterfest sessions at the Velvet will be Fred Anderson, Kidd Jordan, Harrison Bankhead and Isaiah Spencer + special guests.

\

.....and on the 30th (Saturday night), the special guest will be Henry Grimes....!!!

[robviti]

don't forget margaret!

[sheldonm]

don't forget margaret!

I could never forget Margaret .....and Margaret...if you're here.....say "hello" to Henry!!!!

Mark~

Edited August 19, 2008 by sheldonm