Jazzin' at the Shedd schedule:
PJM Jazz
June 26 to July 10 in the Main Foye
July 17 to Aug.7 in the Aqua Lounge
PJM Jazz's Pat Mallinger has a long performance history, both as a band leader and as a side man. His resume includes regular appearances at Chicago's iconic Green Mill and performances with such legendary musicians as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Rosemary Clooney and with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Tim Fitzgerald Trio
June 26 to July 10, and Aug. 14 to Sept. 4 in the Aqua Lounge
July 17 to Aug. 1 in the Main Foyer
The Tim Fitzgerald Trio presents an entertaining mix of straight-ahead jazz, pop and soul music. The band features Tim's original compositions along with the music of jazz great Wes Montgomery, the subject of Tim's book 625 Alive: The Wes Montgomery BBC Performance Transcribed.
Agnieszka Iwanska
June 26 on the North Terrace
Agnieszka Iwanska is an accomplished and gifted vocalist and songwriter praised by the Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich as a "voice of promise." Her first CD got excellent reviews and airplay on 110 radio stations, coming in at number 38 on the Top 50 national chart. Agnieszka has sung the National Anthem at Wrigley Field, and performed at festivals in Naperville, Ill. and Milwaukee.
Rio Bamba
July 3 and 31, and Aug. 28 on the North Terrace
The Rio Bamba sound is a unique blend of bossa nova, samba and American and Latin jazz, played by world-class musicians. The group moves easily from classic and swinging jazz, vocal or instrumental, to Brazilian samba that brings everyone to the dance floor with its irresistible rhythms. Maggie Vagle, Joel Martinez, Craig Linenberger and John Garvey make up the Rio Bamba sound.
Detour JazFunk
July 10, Aug. 7, and Sept.4 on the North Terrace
Detour JazFunk is the sound of Chicago's new urban jazz scene. Its music is built on a foundation of old school R&B's soulful and funky grooves blended with the melodic improvisations of classic and contemporary jazz. Detour JazFunk includes guitarist Phil Seed, drummer Ben "Jammin'" Johnson, electric bassist Kenery Kent Smith and keyboard wizard Tim Gant. Detour JazFunk will perform on the North Terrace.
Greg Duncan
July 17 on the North Terrace
The Greg Duncan Latin Ensemble is a blend of contemporary jazz along with traditional Latin and Flamenco music. They feature horns, a singer and an exciting rhythm section. Thanks to a grant by the Illinois Arts Council, they recorded their second CD, "Chicago, Barcelona Connections," and received great reviews as well as airplay throughout the country and the world. They will be featured this summer at the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival in Humboldt Park.
Chris Green Quartet
July 24 and Aug. 21 on the North Terrace
When the Chris Greene Quartet takes the stage, jazz and rock audiences alike notice something different – something besides the fact that they're seated next to each other. Jazz fans can't help but sense the charisma and electricity, not always seen in a jazz band, which emanates from the quartet even during the saxophonist's most committed solos. And fans accustomed to rock's high energy and loose hi-jinks suddenly find themselves diving deeper into improvised music than they might have thought possible.
Alejandro Urzgaste
Aug. 14 to Sept. 4 in the Main Foyer
In February, Alejandro's 2012 quartet performed for the release of his debut recording "Urban Intervals" with Ron Perrillo joining the group. The concert was dedicated to Jodie Christian who is featured on the recording along with Dennis Carroll and George Fludas. Alejandro continues to play in the city's premier venues including the Green Mill, Jazz Showcase and the Chicago Jazz Festival. He will be at Millenium park August 22nd with the large ensemble Marco Polo. Alejandro is joined by Dennis Carroll on bass and George Fludas on drums. Dennis and George are members of the Ron Perrillo trio. Dennis is the bassist for the Bobby Broom trio. You can find them performing as the rhythm section for local and international stars.
Petra Van Nuis
Aug. 14 on the North Terrace
Petra has performed at such prominent venues as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Green Mill, the Illiana Jazz Club, Fitzgerald's, Katerina's, and Andy's Jazz Club. Inspired by such jazz vocal greats as Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday and Doris Day, Petra opts for a straightforward swinging delivery with an emphasis on feeling.
For more information, visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org/jazzin.html
