The Pride And Joy of Trans Jazz, Illinois

All at once, the room becomes a cacophony of style and character, of pride with no prejudice, steeped in color and music, joyous in its many blended acts of singular daring.

December 14, 2025 0

Jazz For Good @Nightshade, Or, A Jazz Underground

“We saw all that bad shit going down with ICE,” said Boeving, “we thought, how can we help? [Pedersen] approached me and was like, ‘hey you wanna do a fundraiser concert?’ And I of course immediately agreed.

October 23, 2025 0

“We did get close enough so I could scream back at him. I loved him.” Le Piano’s Chad Willetts Remembered At Monday Jam

“Chad and I had a love-hate relationship. He had a lot of, you know, opinions,” Katie continued, to laughter from the crowd.

October 20, 2025 0

Crystal’s Chronicles/Chicago VGM Jam @Midlane Esports, Or, JazzRPG

“No one really plays the Legend of Heroes games,” explains Rebone, “so when I get a strong reaction from those songs, it is really awesome! Honestly, most of my jazz gigs never get strong reactions to the tunes I am playing so I was just taking in all the cheers!”

August 16, 2025 0

East Wind Jazz Club Open Jam, Or, DIY Vibes of the Suburban Thursday Night

The new generation can’t afford risks; it graduates with obscene loans, can’t find a career, yet endures. And on Thursday night, it vibes.

June 9, 2025 0

Kevin and The Quicksavers @Midlane Esports, Or, VGM (Video Game Malört)

As for Kevin and The Quicksavers, I can’t wait to see what summer brings. Some of them are still working on getting, or shaking, off the graduation gowns, so the skybox is the limit. And like any good speedrunner, they can break that easily.

May 11, 2025 0

Arman Sangalang @The Whistler, Or, The Many Musings of A Jazz Disciple

Sangalang is an up-and-comer that's been up-and-going in Chicago for a few years now.

April 23, 2025 0

Janelle Finton/Kellin Hanas’ Trumpetpalooza @Fulton Street Collective, Or, What Is This Feeling? (It’s Two Trumpets)

"I want you to look to your left," Hanas told the crowd in a sassy-yet-serious voice as she wore a tiara, pianist Nicholas Olynciw vamping behind her, "Do it. Look to your left. Now you look to your right. What do you see? A person? No, you see a friend...I think the spirit of friendship is here with us tonight."

April 3, 2025 0

Livia Gazzolo @Midnight Tea, Or, An Evening Of Sta(i)rs That Will Take Your Breath Away

As she inches closer towards her first official release, Livia Gazzolo’s shows continue to be warm, intimate affairs. Meek and delicate at times, but inevitably bursting - with color, culture, and a diversity of tongues - into a roar that seemingly tells the world: “I am here, and to stay.”

February 3, 2025 0

Livia Gazzolo, Pat Leary Trio @ The Red Room, Or, Beyond The Blue Door Lies Brazil

As Joe took to the mic to open the night, he described the upcoming music as a “hellfire of sexy jazz,” which got a laugh out of the crowd, but would wind up being dead-on in the way a fire burns bright before simmering.

February 19, 2024 0