Jazzin' at the Shedd
Live jazz revels at Shedd Aquarium! The popular midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series returns this June with a festival-worthy lineup of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles.
As the sun goes down and the music heats up, relax with a drink on our breezy terrace to take in our unbeatable city view or stroll the aquarium and experience the unbelievable animals that live inside. Join us at Shedd Aquarium–where great music, the city skyline, fireworks and animals come together!
Become a member today and receive free admission on June 8 for a Members Only Jazzin' and discounted admission for the rest of the Jazzin' season.
Dates
Every Wednesday June 15 through August 31, 2022
Price
Adult $39.95 ($19.95 for Chicago residents)
Children (3-11) $29.95 ($14.95 for Chicago residents)
Members $14.95 (for all dates other than Members Jazzin')
Members Only Jazzin' (free for members), June 8
Time
Members only Jazzin: 6 - 10 p.m.
All other dates: 5 - 10 p.m.
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Detour JazFunk (June 8, July 6 & August 3)
Chicago-based Detour JazFunk’s roster boasts some of the nation’s premier musicians, including guitarist/vocalist Phil Seed, percussionist/vocalist Ben Johnson, bassist Kenery Kent Smith and keyboardist Tim Gant. From smooth jazz to funky old and new school R&B and neo soul, Detour JazFunk delivers.
The Ava Logan Jazz Ensemble (June 8, July 13 & August 17)
Ava Logan is a veterinarian by day and a jazz singer at night! She has performed at clubs and festivals from Bel Air and Beverly Hills to Moscow, Minsk, Paris and Rome, along with local festivals in Chicago, Glen Ellyn, Olympia Fields and Maywood. Ava’s theater performances include “Ella Fitzgerald & Friends” and “Lena Horne & Friends” at the Skokie Theater, as well as portrayals of Ella and Nancy Wilson at Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater. Her accompaniment may be anywhere from one musician up to an 18-piece big band! For relaxation and excitement, don’t miss this dynamic performer!
Rio Bamba (June 15, July 13 & August 10)
The Rio Bamba sound is a unique blend of bossa nova, samba, American jazz and Latin jazz, played by world-class musicians. The group moves easily from classic and swinging jazz, vocal or instrumental to a Brazilian samba that brings everyone to the dance floor.
Bob Davis Trio (June 15 & August 3)
Guitarist Bob Davis and keyboardist Neil Artwick have been playing together with their larger group, Lake Effect, for 20 years. Over the course of their careers, they have released two CDs, “Pandora” and “CD Baby.” Bob and Neil are joined by Larry Beers on drums, serving up R&B, Latin and soul.
Mario Abney & the Abney Effect (June 22 & July 27)
Mario Abney is a jazz trumpeter, composer and bandleader from New Orleans. He has been a guest artist to both George Benson and Cyril Neville at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Wynton Marsalis, Donald Harrison and Nicholas Payton. But he developed his chops in his hometown, Chicago, at Fred Anderson's legendary Velvet Lounge. Mario’s talents have been compared to the genius of Miles Davis and the leadership and insight of Art Blakely.
Soul Message Band (June 22)
With a soulful and infectious style crafted around funky grooves, the Soul Message Band’s sound is rooted in the tradition of great Hammond B3 organists like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland and Groove Holmes. The Soul Message Band consists of Chris Foreman, organ, Greg Rockingham, drums, and Lee Rothenberg, guitar.
Michele Thomas Quartet (June 29 & August 17)
Jazz singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and educator Michele Thomas is a suave innovator. With silken grace she eases in her formative background in gospel and her love of R&B, soul and neo-soul into a musical language that shows a dedication and a passion for jazz, spanning all of its defining eras. Michele’s restless creativity reflects jazz’s improvisatory spirit—for jazz, like life, is a journey and not a destination.
Bill Boris Trio (June 29)
The Bill Boris Trio performs an exciting blend of jazz, pop and original compositions with a vibrant contemporary sound. Bill has performed with David “Fat Head” Newman, Fred Wesley, Tony Monaco, Marco Pignataro and Arthur Prysock, and has recorded with Eric Alexander, Charles Earland and Irene Reid. Bill latest CD, “Bright Moments” features original compositions. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Bill is associate chair of the music department at Columbia College, coordinator of guitar studies, and director of the Fusion Ensemble.
Christopher Lucas Wilson Trio (July 6)
Christopher Lucas Wilson is a hard swingin’ pianist originally from metropolitan Detroit, later transplanted to Los Angeles, and recently relocated to Chicago. As a child, Christopher was first introduced to music on a Grinnell Brothers piano in his parents’ living room by a now unknown piano teacher. Although this teacher’s name remains a mystery, Christopher remains indebted for his role in instilling a lifelong passion for music.
Peta Van Nuis Quintet (July 20)
A Chicagoan since 2003, Petra van Nuis sings at all the finest jazz venues in town including the Jazz Showcase, the Green Mill, Andy's Jazz Club, Winter's Jazz Club, Le Piano and Fitzgerald's Nightclub. Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs has presented Petra's groups at the Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Summer Dance. The Jazz Institute of Chicago has featured Petra's Recession Seven band at the Chicago Jazz Festival and Jazz City. Nationally, Petra sings at jazz festivals and clubs around the country and tours Europe regularly with her husband, guitarist Andy Brown. Four of Petra's CDs have been re-released in Japan and are used as in-flight music on All Nippon Airways (Japan's largest airline).
Ken Davis Project (June 29 & July 20)
The Ken Davis Project is a group of well-rounded musicians that have joined forces to create a wonderful blend of styles and genres for the listening pleasure of diverse audiences! The band consists of five primary members: Greg Thomas on saxophone, David Scott on lead guitar, Malcolm Banks on drums, Tim Anderson on bass guitar and Ken Davis on keys and vocals. Members of the band have worked with several well-known artists such as Quincy Jones, The Jacksons, Tony! Toni! Toné!, George Clinton, Andre Crouch, Dela Reese and many others. The band will be performing original tunes and covered tunes from artists like Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, the Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and more.
Jenn Przybysz Trio (July 27)
The Przybysz Trio explores the spaces between jazz, hip-hop and other improvised styles of music. Hailing from interdisciplinary backgrounds, the trio creates a dynamic and artful conversation. Members that will perform throughout this series include Jenna Przybysz, saxophone; Ariel Glassman, guitar; and Mary Halm, bass.
Alyssa Allgood Trio (August 10 & August 24)
Alyssa Allgood is a Chicago-based jazz vocalist who has been described as “assured and daring” by DownBeat Magazine and a “model of sophisticated song interpretation” by the Chicago Tribune. She has appeared at such distinguished venues as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Club in Shanghai, Birdland Jazz Club, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase and Winter’s Jazz Club. Alyssa was named first place winner of the Inaugural Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Voice Competition, Best Jazz Entertainer in the Chicago Music Awards and a Semifinalist in the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition.
Victor Garcia Quintet (August 24)
Examiner.com’s Neil Tesser calls him “one of the most exciting young musicians.” Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich says that he “stands out as an ebullient soloist offering a formidable technique and a radiantly polished tone.” JazzChicago.net’s Brad Walseth regards him as a “young lion trumpeter.” He’s as versatile as he is creative. His trumpet talent heralds his international acclaim. He also sings, plays percussion and his songwriting, arrangements and charts have led him to perform with a lineup of greats: Aretha Franklin, Arturo Sandoval, Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, La India, the Temptations and Paquito d’Rivera. Victor has recorded on dozens of albums, three of them Grammy-nominated.
Alan Gresik Band (August 31)
Gresik keeps the music alive and thriving with his big band: the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra. A staple performing weekly at Green Mill, Chicago's world-renowned jazz club, this entertaining show is steeped in the traditions of swing era jazz, with spoken word radio show commercials a dash of humor. His band has not only entertained thousands of people over nearly two decades, but given hundreds of musicians a stepping stone in their careers by providing a real-life training ground in vintage styles used in pit orchestra in downtown theaters. Noticing that traditional music training doesn't address this unique 1930s style, he passes the torch of swing era music to vocalists with his swing era vocal workshops to keep the spirit and technique alive for listeners for years to come.
Tom Lowery Trio (August 31)
The Tom Lowery Trio is based in Chicago, playing jazz classics and standards from the Great American Songbook. While rooted in jazz, the trio incorporates tastes of funk, Latin and rock into some of their tunes. The Tom Lowery Trio has traveled the Chicagoland area playing events, restaurants, stages and festivals including the Merchant Street Music Festival in Kankakee, Illinois and a monthly residency with Sauce and Bread Kitchen in Chicago. The trio: Michael Crane on bass, Steve Kaiser on guitar and Tom Lowery on drums, have played a variety music throughout the country and have come together to respect and share the music they love, jazz.
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No, seating on the outdoor terraces is first come, first served.
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Yes, food and beverages will be available for purchase until at least 8 p.m.
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The full aquarium will be open, including touch habitats. For animal care, lights in the Amazon Rising exhibit will dim at 7 p.m. Amazon Rising, Wild Reef and Stingray Touch close at 8:45 p.m.
Cost
Adult $39.95 ($19.95 for Chicago residents)
Children (3-11) $29.95 ($14.95 for Chicago residents)
Members $14.95 (for all dates other than Members Jazzin')
Members Jazzin' (free for members) on June 8
Time
Jazzin' takes place from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Timed tickets are available for 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. You are allowed to enter until 8 p.m. The aquarium closes at 10 p.m.
Traffic alerts
Throughout the year, special events can affect traffic and parking.
Check our traffic page so you can spend the most time at Jazzin'!
Accessibility
At Shedd Aquarium, we believe there should be no boundaries to your experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us. We look forward to assisting you.
Planning your visit
Review important information regarding timed entry on our Plan a Visit webpage.