Celebrating the History of Jazz in Chicago on National Jazz Day

Apr 30, 2022

In the Mid-Twentieth Century, Chicago was a hot spot for up and coming musical artists in the Blues and Jazz category. So it comes as no surprise that some of the region’s hottest jazz clubs can still be found there today! We’re celebrating National Jazz day by tapping our toes to some of the greatest hits of Jazz music. Be sure to listen closely, because you may recognize more of the songs than you’d expect! Many modern day artists have been heavily influenced by musicians of yesteryear, and you’ll find many similar beats, riffs, basslines, and even reimaginings or covers of classic Jazz.

Regional Blues and Jazz music originated on Chicago’s South Side as the area saw an influx of around 6 million African American citizens during the Great Migration. The city became a hotspot for entertainment as these folks brought their favourite music and vocal stylings along with them. Chicago’s music scene featured heavily in bass and guitar music, included frequent solos to highlight each musician, and had a faster tempo than your average Jazz. When the city’s population decreased post-WWII, many musicians migrated to the east coast to take advantage of the burgeoning music scene in New York City, but Chicago has never lost its passion for Jazz.

Each year the city hosts the Chicago Jazz Festival at Millenium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center. It’s a celebration of the cultural influence of music on the Windy City, an inclusive festival for local and national talent to showcase their chops, and best yet it’s free and open to the public and ready to inspire future generations of musicians!

Interested in learning more about the arts and culture scene in Chicago? Why not get your friends and family together and enjoy a Chicago Music Tour of the city. You’ll have a chance to listen to an exclusive soundtrack themed to each of the specialized bus tours that Chicago Music Tour Inc offers.

Can’t get enough live music? The Chicago Blues Festival is another must see for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

If you’re eager to get out on the town and enjoy some live R&B, Jazz, and Blues music from the pros, you can check out these fun events over the next few months:

Enjoy a memorable evening of fine dining and professional Jazz and Blues musicians at these wonderful venues: