One of the highlights of Chicago music in January has to be the annual Jazz Fair of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, which this year will begin at 6 p.m. Monday in the Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan Ave.
This will be the 15th annual event, and, as always, it will feature a stylistic range of Chicago jazz. The $12 admission covers all performances in the Blackstone Hotel, plus a 10 p.m. show at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 754 S. Wabash Ave. (admission to Buddy Guy’s show alone is $5).
Here is the complete schedule of Blackstone Hotel performances:
– 6 p.m., Crystal Ballroom: Barrett Deems Big Band.
– 6:45 p.m., Embassy Room: Malachi Favors Maghostut Trio.
– 7 p.m., Jazz Showcase: Malachi Thompson FreeBop Band.
– 8:45 p.m., Crystal Ballroom: Victor Parra and the Mambo Express.
– 9:15 p.m., Hubbard Room: The New Memphis Nighthawks, a traditional-jazz band.
– 9:30 p.m., Jazz Showcase: Pianist Stu Katz, alto saxophonist Jimmy Ellis, trumpeter Orbert Davis, bassist Dan Shapera and drummer Robert Shy.
In addition, a 10 p.m. set at Buddy Guy’s Legends will showcase blues veteran Sunnyland Slim.
For details, phone the Jazz Institute of Chicago at 312-427-1676.
– In honor of Black History Month, several special performances will be presented throughout February in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
They include: Barrett Sisters, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8; David “Honeyboy” Edwards, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11; Floyd McDaniel and the Blues Swingers, 12:15 p.m. Feb. 16; Geraldine de Haas and Friends, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17; Next Movement vocal group, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18; phone 312-346-3278.
– Jazz Unites Inc., a non-profit group dedicated to promoting jazz education and performance, has announced the lineup for its 1993 season.
It includes: Historical-Musical Tribute to Marian Anderson, Feb. 14 at the South Shore Cultural Center; Tribute to Duke Ellington, May 16, Field Museum; JazzFest ’93, Aug. 6-8, South Shore Cultural Center; Roarin’ ’20s concert, details to be announced; phone 312-734-2000.
– Guitarist Charlie Byrd will play the College of Du Page Arts Center in Glen Ellyn on Jan. 29. He’ll be joined by the C.O.D. Jazz Ensemble’s rhythm section; phone 708-858-5196.
– The Janice Borla Group will appear Jan. 30 at the Unitarian Church, 11 W. Maple St., Hinsdale. The performance is part of the “Keep Jazz Alive in Hinsdale” series; phone 708-323-2885.
In the jazz rooms:
Andy’s, 11 E. Hubbard St.-“Marshall Vente Jazz Festival,” Friday through Sunday; phone 312-642-4805.
Bop Shop, 1807 W. Division St.-Kimberly Gordon Quartet, Thursday; Kenny Washington and Omniverse Sextet, Friday and Saturday; phone 312-235-3232.
Cotton Club, 1710 S. Michigan Ave.-Melvia “Chick” Rodgers, Friday and Saturday; phone 312-341-9787.
FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn-Bill O’Connell Big Band, Sunday; phone 708-788-2118.
Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway-“Battle of the Saxes” with young tenorists Chris Potter and Eric Alexander, Friday and Saturday; phone 312-878-5552.
HotHouse, 1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.-Malachi Thompson’s FreeBop Band, Friday; phone 312-235-2334.
Jazz Showcase in the Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan Ave.-Organist Jack McDuff and his Heatin’ System band, Friday through Sunday; phone 312-427-4846.
Metropole Bar in the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive-Mimi Lange Trio, Tuesdays through Saturdays; phone 312-565-8000.
