Chicago Jazz Festival 2014

The 36th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival once again thrilled thousands of enthusiastic Windy City jazz fans and many out-of-towners. The weather Gods were on our side, as the weather was hot during the day and cool at night...just right for great jazz music! The four day event showcased some of the best of the best names in jazz music. Opening night festivities were held at the Chicago Cultural Center and Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall, and ended with an "Homage to Nelson Mandela: Ernest Dawkins' Memory in the Center, an Afro Jazz Opera" at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The next three days of jazz were solely in Millennium Park. Day two featured: The George Freeman Mike Allemana Quartet, Rufus Reid, Myra Melford's Snowy Egret and closing with Terence Blanchard, featuring Ravi Coltrane and special guest saxophonist Brice Winston. Day three featured: The Ari Brown Quatrtet, Gary Burton, Tom Harrell Colors of a Dream, featuring Esperanza Spalding and closing with Dave Holland and Kevin Eubanks. The final day featured: The Bobby Broom Trio, Miguel Zenon Quartet, Cecile McLorin Salvant and closing with a rousing, showstopping performance by the Sun Ra Arkestra.