Our day of swing begins at the Jazz Record Mart (444 N. Wabash Ave., 312-222-1467). Billed as “The World’s Largest Jazz Record Store,” the jazz emporium’s sprawling collection of recordings, videos, books, posters, T-shirts and other jazz paraphernalia includes items that appeal to all ages. For browsers, the store — which opens at 10 a.m. — feels almost like a museum celebrating the achievements of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker and the like. If you buy just one thing, try picking up the video of Bert Stern’s great concert film, “Jazz on a Summer’s Day,” which features sumptuous footage of Armstrong, Anita O’Day and Mahalia Jackson, among others.
AFTERNOON
Next comes a New Orleans-style lunch at Heaven on Seven (600 N. Michigan Ave., entry at Ohio and Rush Streets, 312-280-7774). The food can be a tad spicy, but, then again, so is the music, which swings freely over the sound system. Then head over to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.), where you’ll hear Frank Sinatra swinging “My Kind of Town” while the Ferris Wheel takes you on an airborne ride over Chicago’s spectacular lakefront. As you get on and off the Ferris Wheel, you’ll behold a Dixieland band playing tunes from the earliest days of Chicago jazz, at the start of the century.
EVENING
Then, when it’s time for dinner, check out Joe’s Bebop Cafi and Jazz Emporium (312-595-5299), on the west end of the Pier. There’s always a jazz, blues or swing band on stage, while the food has a distinct Louisiana flavor. If the weather is congenial, ask for a table outside, with Lake Michigan behind you and the bandstand in front.
Finally, after dinner, head over to the most unpretentious jazz joint in Chicago, Andy’s (11 E. Hubbard St., 312-642-6805), where the music begins at 6 p.m. and no reservations are required. The Rich Pardo Trio plays on Saturday, and light food is available. As the music plays on, check out the walls of fame, which are covered with photos of Chicago jazz legends who have played the club. The music goes late into the night, and you can stay and listen as long as you like.
