WElcome to FRONT ROW

Jazz Institute of Chicago presents Front Row, a series of concerts, masterclasses, and conversations all about jazz. Recorded in our offices on the fifth floor of Chicago’s iconic Fine Arts Building overlooking Michigan Avenue, Buckingham Fountain, and Lake Michigan, the performance space also offers one of Chicago’s most captivating views.

Since 1969, JIC has produced some of the highest quality jazz experiences in the world and educated the public and our city’s youth on the power of jazz to connect people and change lives.  Front Row evolved from the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s public and education programs while taking full advantage of the distinct location. Front Row showcases of the rich tapestry of jazz: its performers, educators, composers, and scholars to further the JIC mission of promoting and nurturing jazz in all its forms.

Members at the “Front Row” level and above receive exclusive invitations to these live intimate and thrilling Front Row events and performances.

Become a Member now to get exclusive invites to Front Row!
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    Front Row: Greg Ward's Rogue Parade
    • 12/2/25

    Front Row: Greg Ward's Rogue Parade

    Front Row with Greg Ward's Rogue Parade, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Fine Arts Building. Recorded on April 24, 2025. Greg Ward, alto sax Matt Gold, guitar Dave Miller, guitar Matt Ulery, bass Quin Kirchner, drums Greg Ward is a saxophonist and composer that was born in Peoria, IL. Currently based in Chicago, Ward has had the opportunity to perform and record with a varied group of artists like Prefuse 73, Lupe Fiasco, Tortoise, William Parker, Andrew D'Angelo, and Mike Reed. In 2000, Ward began his studies at Northern Illinois University where he worked with Steve Duke, Fareed Haque, Ron Carter, and Joey Sellers. Around his sophomore year in college, Ward started spending many nights performing in the jazz clubs of Chicago. Soon, he would meet another one of his mentors, saxophonist, Fred Anderson, who would later select him to host a jam session at the Velvet Lounge for four years. During this time period, Ward experienced much growth as a performer and composer and developed a vibrant community of performers, artists, dancers, and listeners. After graduating from NIU in 2004 with a degree in Jazz Studies/Saxophone Performance, Ward moved to Chicago and took advantage of every opportunity that was offered to him; composing two pieces for the International Contemporary Ensemble, performing a quartet composition for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Chamber Music Series, composing Wings for the Peoria Ballet Company, and being commissioned by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for a new composition, which was performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival in 2009, are just a few of the many experiences that shaped Ward during his years in Chicago. In 2009, Ward decided to move to New York City. He began working with JazzReach, a jazz education organization that shares multi-media programs throughout the US. In 2010, he would produce his first CD as a leader with his Chicago-based band, Fitted Shards. South Side Story received much critical acclaim, including "Recording of the Year" by the Chicago Tribune. Next, in 2011, Ward formed Phonic Juggernaut and released a CD on Thirsty Ear Recordings which features Damion Reid on drums and Joe Sanders on bass. Also, in 2011, Ward composed and performed a commission from the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra for a concerto for jazz quartet and string orchestra. In 2012, Ward was selected as one of the two New Music USA Van Lier Fellows. In 2014, he received a commission/residency from the Jazz Gallery and premiered Capturing Sunlight, which was an hour-long work for septet inspired by the life and work of Preston Jackson that included a short documentary by Diana Quinones Rivera. Recently, Ward collaborated with composer, sound designer, and performer, Caleb Willitz to compose the film score for Beresford Bennett's film Pinch, which was an official selection of the 2015 San Diego Black Film Festival; and release an electro-acoustic project, Gaps and Spaces: Synoptic Optiks. Ward maintains an active international touring schedule with various ensembles and has recently been appointed to the faculty of the Jacob School of Music at Indiana University as Assistant Professor of Jazz Saxophone. For more about Greg Ward: https://www.gregwardmusic.us/home

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    Front Row: Julius Tucker Trio
    11/26/25

    Front Row: Julius Tucker Trio

    Front Row with Julius Tucker, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in the Fine Arts Building on March 20, 2025.  
    Pianist Julius Tucker brought a dynamic mix of lyricism and modern harmony to his set, showcasing the evolving sound of Chicago jazz through both originals and arrangements.
    More about Julius Tucker: https://www.juliustucker.com/

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    Front Row: Sarah Marie Young
    • 11/20/25

    Front Row: Sarah Marie Young

    Front Row with Sarah Marie Young, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in the Fine Arts Building on February 26, 2025.
    Known for her warm tone and narrative phrasing, Sarah delivered an intimate set featuring original compositions and reimagined classics in conversation with her band.
    More about Sarah Marie Young: https://www.sarahmarieyoung.com/

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    Front Row: Testimony Service
    11/13/25

    Front Row: Testimony Service

    Front Row with Testimony Service, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building on January 23, 2025. The band features Christian Swan on piano, Kyle Swan on bass, Micah Collier on bass, Lenard Simpson on alto sax, and Dakarai Barclay on drums. Their sound blends the soul of gospel, the improvisation of jazz, and the pulse of R&B and hip hop—an intimate, electrifying performance rooted in connection.

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    Front Row: Marquis Hill Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox
    6/23/25

    Front Row: Marquis Hill Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox

    Front Row with Marquis Hill Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Fine Arts Building. Recorded on December 19, 2024. Marquis Hil, trumpet Joel Ross, vibes Junius Paul, bass Jeremiah Collier, drums Set List: Star Is Born Joseph Beat The Cool Skin More about Marquis Hill: https://www.marquishill.com/

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    Front Row: The JuJu Exchange
    • 3/13/25

    Front Row: The JuJu Exchange

    Front Row with The JuJu Exchange, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Fine Arts Building. Recorded on November 21, 2024. Julian Reid, piano Nico Segal, trumpet Kurt Shelby, bass Nova Zaii, drums and percussion Set List 1. Humm 2. Eternal Boombox 3. Timewise 4. Convo 5. Can't See My Eyes 6. Fecundity More about The JuJu Exchange: https://thejujuexchange.com/ Listen to JazzRX release: https://thejujuexchange.lnk.to/JazzRx

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    Isaiah Collier: Front Row Concert
    • 11/14/24

    Isaiah Collier: Front Row Concert

    Front Row with Isaiah Collier, recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago's office in Chicago's Fine Arts Building

    Recorded on October, 24, 2024. Isaiah Collier, sax; Richard Gibbs III, piano; Josh Ramos, bass; Charles Rick Heath, drums.

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    Live The Spirit Residency, The Young Masters, from Ernest Dawkins
    • 10/29/21

    Live The Spirit Residency, The Young Masters, from Ernest Dawkins

    Live The Spirit Residency Presents The Young Masters under the direction of Ernest Dawkins. Recorded live at the Jazz Institute of Chicago office in Chicago's Fine Arts Building on September 18, 2024.

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    CONVERSATION WITH ERNEST DAWKINS and ZAKIYA FOLA
    • 11/10/24

    CONVERSATION WITH ERNEST DAWKINS and ZAKIYA FOLA

    A special pre-concert conversation with Live The Spirit Residency and Englewood Jazz Festival founder Ernest Dawkins.

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    Meagan McNeal Live at Front Row
    • 10/20/24

    Meagan McNeal Live at Front Row

    MEAGAN MCNEAL QUINTET Recorded on August 28, 2024 in the Jazz Institute of Chicago's office in the Fine Arts Building in Chicago.

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    11/26/25

    Branford Marsalis Interview

    Executive Director Heather Ireland Robinson sat down with jazz legend Branford Marsalis for a quick conversation about Chicago, the roots of jazz, and why arts education matters more than ever.

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    Front Row: LENARD SIMPSON QUARTET
    • 8/28/23

    Front Row: LENARD SIMPSON QUARTET

    The premiere Front Row concert featuring a performance by the Lenard Simpson Quartet recorded on June 20, 2024.

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    Interview with Lakecia Benjamin by Jazz Institute of Chicago and Wanjiku Kairu
    • 8/28/24

    Interview with Lakecia Benjamin by Jazz Institute of Chicago and Wanjiku Kairu

    Lakecia Benjamin about her getting started on the recorder along to Biggie Smalls songs, playing with U2, Coltrane inspirations, her newest record Phoenix Reimagined, a shout out to the South Side of Chicago, playing at the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival and much more!

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    Interview with James Brandon Lewis by Jazz Institute of Chicago and Wanjiku Kairu
    • 8/29/24

    Interview with James Brandon Lewis by Jazz Institute of Chicago and Wanjiku Kairu

    A lovely chat with James Brandon Lewis. He talks about his first experiences with music and distinguishes the difference between being forced to learn and being required to learn and the path through his exciting career to the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival.

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    Interview with Roosevelt Griffin on What Is This Thing Called Jazz
    • 8/27/24

    Interview with Roosevelt Griffin on What Is This Thing Called Jazz

    Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III talks about his Chicago Jazz Festival presentation “What Is This Thing Called Jazz?” This annual Chicago Jazz Festival forum explores the questions of why it is monumentally important to American culture and how we all can and should be involved. Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III

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    Interview with Alejandro Salazar by Jazz Institute of Chicago
    • 8/29/24

    Interview with Alejandro Salazar by Jazz Institute of Chicago

    Former Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Student Council Member, percussionist, and all around great guy, Alejandro Salazar covers his entry into music by way of the Jazz Institute of Chicago and his performance at the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival.

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    Interview with Jason Adasiewicz by Jazz Institute of Chicago's Wanjiku Kairu
    • 8/26/24

    Interview with Jason Adasiewicz by Jazz Institute of Chicago's Wanjiku Kairu

    Jazz Institute of Chicago's Wanjiku Kairu interviews vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz about his start in music in the alt/indie world and his entry into jazz. Jason plays the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival on Thursday, August 29 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

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    Interview with jazz bassist Dennis Carroll
    • 8/29/24

    Interview with jazz bassist Dennis Carroll

    Chicago jazz great Dennis Carroll about his life in music and his upcoming performance at the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival on Saturday August 31 at 4:15PM on the Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Chicago's beautiful Millennium Park.

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    Interview with artist Raymond A. Thomas by the Jazz Institute of Chicago
    • 8/15/24

    Interview with artist Raymond A. Thomas by the Jazz Institute of Chicago

    Chicago artist and Creative Director, Raymond A. Thomas, of the Jazz Institute of Chicago talks with Wanjiku Kairu about his painting "Joberg Jam"; part of the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival representing the origins of Jazz.

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    Terence Blanchard Interview with Jazz Institute of Chicago and Lyric Opera
    • 2/23/24

    Terence Blanchard Interview with Jazz Institute of Chicago and Lyric Opera

    Musician, and composer Terence Blanchard by Jazz Institute of Chicago's Heather Ireland Robinson. Also joining the interview are Chicago based jazz drummer Quin Kirchner, guitarist Dave Miller, and bassist Christian Dillingham as well as Jill LeCesne Potter of the Chicago Lyric Opera.