Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the headliners for the 2025 Chicago Jazz Festival. The event will take place from August 28 to August 31 at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center, offering free performances to celebrate jazz in all its forms.

The festival, a Labor Day weekend tradition, aims to showcase both local talent and international artists. "Chicago’s jazz legacy runs deep – from Bronzeville basements to global stages," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. He emphasized that the festival reflects Chicago's cultural excellence and creativity.

This year's lineup includes notable artists such as esperanza spalding, Monty Alexander, Kermit Ruffins, Eliades Ochoa of Buena Vista Social Club, and Gary Bartz with his ensemble NTU Troop. DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth remarked on the festival's role in honoring jazz's past while spotlighting emerging talents: “More than just a celebration of jazz, this iconic festival honors the genre’s storied past while spotlighting emerging talents and diverse voices shaping its future."

Local artists like Patricia Barber, Ari Brown, Ernest Dawkins, Sarah Marie Young, Ava Logan, G. Thomas Allen, Natalie Scharf Quintet featuring Paul Asaro, Silvia Manrique & Marcel Bonfim will also perform at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC), which has been programming partner since 1979, celebrates its 56th year promoting jazz in Chicago. Heather Ireland Robinson of JIC stated: "We are thrilled to celebrate this 45-plus-year relationship with the City of Chicago."

Additional concerts will be held at various venues including Von Freeman Pavilion stage and WDCB Jazz Lounge. The Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace stage will feature local school bands and rising stars.

The full lineup will be announced soon. Alcohol is not allowed inside but can be purchased on-site. For more information visit ChicagoJazzFestival.us or Chicago.gov/DCASE.