It’s called The Second City, but Chicago boasts an alive and thriving, first-class jazz scene. If you love the sound and a trip to Chicago is in your future, check these recommendations. They’re straight from a jazz-loving citizen of Chicagoland.

The Hyde Park Jazz Society

It began in 1995 as the Committee to Restore Jazz to Chicago’s Hyde Park. In 2006 the Committee became the Hyde Park Jazz Society. The Society sponsors a great Sunday night jam and puts on two days of spectacular (and free) performances at the end of September.  For more information on the organization and jazz in the city, click on The Hyde Park Jazz Society.

Norman’s Bistro and Room Forty-Three

These two establishments are one block away from each other.  Between them, especially on Sunday, there’s plenty to make a jazz lover happy. Enjoy live music with brunch at Norman’s Bistro.  After your meal, take a walk down the block to Room Forty-Three, the Sunday home of the Hyde Park Jazz Society. When the set is over, head back to Norman’s for a late jazz jam session.

Norman’s Bistro 1001 East 43^rd Street Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 966-5821

Room Forty-Three 1039-1043 East 43rd Street Chicago, IL 60653 (773)285-2222

The Jazz institute of Chicago

Its founding members are legend. Through the Jazz Institute the Annual Jazz Fair was born. It grew into the Chicago Jazz Festival, a Labor Day musical feast and signature event that brings world-class jazz and thousands of fans to venues throughout the city.  Click The Jazz Institute of Chicago to learn “what’s new, what’s next” and where to enjoy great jazz in Chicago.

Charles Health Presents at the eta Creative Arts Foundation

On Wednesday nights it’s “Jazzin’ on the Southside” at the eta Creative Arts Foundation. “Jazzin” is produced by legendary drummer Charles Heath. His Charles Heath Productions showcases the best jazz Chicago has to offer.  According to our resident jazz aficionado, “when you come to Chicago, you’ve got to see Charles.”

Charles Heath eta Creative Arts Foundation 7558 S South Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60619-2644

Jazz Showcase 806 S. Plymouth Ct. Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 360-0234

This is the place “where jazz lives in Chicago since 1947.” And the line-up speaks for itself.

Round out your Chicago jazz experience in one (or all) of the clubs listed below:

Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant

11 E. Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 642-6805 www.andysjazzclub.com

Close Up 2 Chicago

416 S Clark Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 385-1111 www.closeup2jazz.com

Fifty Yard Line

69 E 75th St Chicago, IL60619 (773) 846-0005

M Lounge

1520 S. Wabash Ave Chicago IL 60605-2900 (312) 447-0201 www.mloungechicago.com

Jazz lovers, take note: there’s still time left in 2012 for jazz festivals around the country and the world.  Choose a destination from our 2012 Jazz Calendar, travel safely and enjoy the music!