All that jazz: 7 places to enjoy some hot sounds
When thinking about great places to enjoy jazz, it's possible the 'burbs don't always jump to the front of your mind. But trust us: There are plenty of places to enjoy some truly American music …
<b>Elmhurst College Jazz Festival:</b> The 51st annual event runs pretty much all day Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 22 to 25, in the school's Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave.
The fest features college bands, high school bands and top professionals, including the Maria Schneider Orchestra, trumpeter Sean Jones, trombonist Jiggs Whigham and drummer Matt Wilson. Tickets are $10 to $40. Info: elmhurst.edu or (630) 617-5534.
<b>Jazz in the Meadows:</b> The largest high school jazz event/competition in the Midwest brings together high school and junior high bands from across the region and beyond with more than 100 performances starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 Central Road.
Performances are scheduled every half-hour. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and good for the entire day, with proceeds benefiting the school's music programs. Info: (847) 718-5752.
<b>
Chick Corea:</b> The legendary pianist, keyboardist and composer performs with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at 8 p.m. Friday, March 30, at Waukegan's Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St.
He's the fourth-most nominated artist in Grammy Awards history, with 63 nods and 22 wins. Tickets range from $48 to $68, plus service charges, and are available by visiting the Genesee Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge by phone at (800) 982-2787. Info: www.waukeganweb.net.
<b>Ensemble Concert:</b> Saxophonist Mark Colby headlines the show with the Monday and Tuesday jazz ensembles at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the College of Lake County Mainstage Theatre, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.
A Chicago-based musician, Colby has toured with the Maynard Ferguson and Bob James bands, along with stars such as Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and CLC students and staff, and free for kids younger than 18. Info: clcillinois.edu.
<b>Branford Marsalis:</b> The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist performs with his quartet in An Evening with Branford Marsalis at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21, in North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $60 and $70. Info: finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.
<b>Faculty and Guests:</b> Faculty members and other pros come together for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in Harper College's Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.
Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and Harper students, faculty and staff; $12 for students from other schools and free for those 12 and younger. Info: harpercollege.edu.
<b>Jazz and Dixieland:</b> Michael Bazan will lead the McHenry County College Jazz Ensemble in a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in the Luecht Conference Center on the school's main campus, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. The concert also will feature the school's Dixieland Band. Info: mchenry.edu.