An array of guitar-slingers who each represent an aspect of the jazz guitar legacy: Curtis Robinson, John Moulder, Jeff Parker, and Buddy Fambro.

Rob Parton’s JazzTech Big Band features the many styles of big band jazz music ranging from Count Basie to Buddy Rich.

Featuring Ari Brown, T.S. Galloway, Ken Chaney and Corey Wilkes. The Awakening was at its peak in the 70s, comprised of Chicago musicians who scattered far and wide after that.

Jason Adasiewicz, Jeff Albert, Josh Berman, Jeb Bishop, Matthew Golombisky, Keefe Jackson and Quin Kirchner.

Vocalist Saalik Ziyad’s 5 After 7 Project features some of the best rising star musicians in the city.

Flutist Nicole Mitchell has created a chamber jazz group that has mesmerized audiences across the country. Featuring Renee Baker, violin; Josh Abrams, bass; and Tomeka Reid on cello.

Three bands taking the stage include the Carlos Garcia’s Cuatrissimo, vocalist Nythia Rivera, and Jose Papo Santiago’s Infraverde.

Master of blues and boogie, Erwin Helfer is our featured soloist, after which a two-piano duel between Willie Pickens and Stu Katz will have everyone leaving a winner!

As always, a look to the past and the future: Orbert Davis, David Young and Pharez Whitted on trumpets, Tom Garling, Tracy Kirk and Norman Palm on trombones, and Ken Chaney piano.

Winard Harper is featured as pianist Robert Irving III pays tribute to Art Blakey’s contribution to jazz as a discoverer of young talent and to his very considerable innovations on the drums.