Chicago Jazz Alliance

05/01/2026

"So, in a world in which we seem not only to talk past one another but scream, jazz 'is not just music,' Herbie Hancock told the audience. 'It’s really a model for how to live.'" - Chicago Tribune.

Missed last night's concert? No worries! You can view the full concert at: yt.be/jazzday.

From Herbie Hancock to blues great Buddy Guy to a message from Pope Leo XIV, this globally watched concert was both a who’s who of jazz and a love letter from Chicago.

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

On stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, we kicked off International Jazz Day 2026 with a vibrant reception bringing together artists, leaders, and our global jazz community in true Chicago style.

With inspiring remarks from DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, plus unforgettable performances and a warm Chicago welcome from Kurt Elling and Herbie Hancock, the celebration is officially underway.

And we’re just getting started! Don’t miss the All-Star Global Concert tonight. 📺 Tune in live at 7:00 PM CT: Chicago.JazzDay.com.

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Today, Herbie Hancock returned to his roots at Hyde Park High School, sharing a powerful performance alongside Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marcus Miller and others in a full-circle moment with the next generation of Chicago artists.

Tune in tonight for the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, streaming live in 4K tomorrow night at 7:00 PM CT.

Watch at Chicago.JazzDay.com or on YouTube (yt.be/jazzday) and be part of this global moment—right from Chicago.

04/25/2026

What does the future of jazz look like? 🎷🎶

Join a powerful panel discussion led by Terri Lyne Carrington, bringing together artists, cultural workers, and thought leaders to explore how jazz can evolve into a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable art form while honoring its roots.

Part of “She Real Cool,” this conversation challenges traditional narratives and reimagines the “jazz aesthetic” through today’s culture and lived experiences.

Plus, experience a live musical performance by the Berklee Institute Ensemble.

In partnership with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Free and open to the public.

Visit chicago.jazzday.com for more information.

04/23/2026

The International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert is already a week away! 🎷🎶

Bringing together an unforgettable lineup of artists for one night only at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, expect iconic moments, powerful collaborations, and the kind of energy only jazz can deliver.

The concert will stream live in 4K on YouTube starting at 7:00 PM CT on April 30 for free. Set your livestream reminder now at Chicago.JazzDay.com.

04/23/2026

Special offer from our friends at

THE GREAT GATSBY is a “Broadway extravaganza that explodes with life and energy” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award®-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre thru May 3 only!

$99 ticket (at the box office; plus fees online) for their first three performances (April 21, 22, 23) for dress circle or loge locations with code SPORT.

https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows/the-great-gatsby/

04/22/2026

Jazz speaks to something deeper—no matter where you’re from, it connects us all.” 🎶

A powerful reminder from Dan Brubeck that jazz is more than music—it’s a universal language that brings people together across cultures, communities, and generations.

How will you celebrate that connection? Explore events happening all across the city and be part of the global rhythm.

👉 chicago.jazzday.com

04/18/2026

Don’t miss this rare chance to experience some of Chicago’s finest musicians—all in one unforgettable night 🎷

Neighborhood Jazz Night invites you to explore the city’s vibrant jazz scene, hopping between performances and discovering the incredible work happening with community organizations across the South and West Sides.

See as much as you can. Soak it all in. This is Chicago jazz at its best.
Plan your night at chicago.jazzday.com

04/17/2026

“Bringing International Jazz Day to Chicago is kind of like bringing the Olympics..." says singer Kurt Elling to Chicago Tribune, who co-directs the festivities alongside Hancock and led the charge to bring the event to Chicago.

For the full list of events, check out the International Jazz Day website (chicago.jazzday.com). But for a sampler of our Chicago sound, here are some entry points into the festivities, some choices courtesy of Elling.

Read more: bit.ly/IJD-Tribune

Chicago would seem to be a no-brainer to host International Jazz Day, and the April 30 day itself spills out into events and concerts all over Chicago for the next few weeks. Our 16 Jazz Day recommendations.