Aug. 30--Following are some of the most promising shows for the Chicago Jazz Festival, which opens Thursday and runs through Sept. 6. Performances are at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; and Millennium Park, near Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue.
In addition, preliminary performances run Monday through Wednesday at PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Ave.; and during a Jazz Club Tour, at various venues on Wednesday.
Admission is free, unless otherwise noted. For more information, go to chicagojazzfestival.us or jazzinchicago.org or phone 312-744-3316.
Monday
Kim Cusack and Paul Asaro. Clarinetist Cusack and pianist Asaro special in early-period jazz. 5:30 p.m. at PianoForte Studios.
Tuesday
Bethany and Willie Pickens. The daughter-father duo play two-piano jazz. 5:30 p.m. at PianoForte Studios.
Wednesday
Rob Clearfield. Pianist Clearfield brings a poetic sensibility to contemporary jazz. 5:30 p.m. at PianoForte Studios.
Jazz Club Tour. A mixed blessing that gives listeners entry to many clubs, though audience turnover can be noisy. 6 p.m. to midnight at multiple venues, including the Jazz Showcase, Andy's and Green Mill; $35-$40.
Thursday
"What Is This Thing Called Jazz?" Dee Alexander and Ann Ward explain. 3:15 p.m. in the Claudia Cassidy Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Marquis Hill Blacktet. The former Chicago trumpeter returns home. 6:30 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
Butler, Bernstein and the Hot 9. Pianist Henry Butler and trumpeter Steven Bernstein build on New Orleans traditions. 8 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Friday
Art Hoyle Sextet. The revered Chicago trumpeter pays homage to Clark Terry. 2 p.m. at the Jazz and Heritage Pavilion in Millennium Park.
Bobby Lewis Sextet. Another beloved Chicago trumpeter, Lewis brings poetry to everything he plays. 3:30 p.m. at the Jazz and Heritage Pavilion.
Chico Freeman with George Freeman. Saxophonist Freeman partners with his uncle, guitarist George Freeman (brother of the late saxophone giant Von Freeman). 5 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Billy Strayhorn Centennial Celebration. Jeff Lindberg's Chicago Jazz Orchestra performs newly commissioned arrangements of Strayhorn repertoire. 8:30 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Saturday
Trio WAZ. The acronym refers to saxophonist Edward Wilkerson Jr., bassist Tatsu Aoki and drummer Michael Zerang. Noon at the Von Freeman Pavilion in Millennium Park.
Makaya McCraven Quartet. A powerful drummer, McCraven has become an increasingly important leader and sideman in Chicago jazz. 12:30 p.m. at the Jazz and Heritage Pavilion.
Columbia College Jazz Ensemble with Dave Douglas. The strong collegiate band rekindles its partnership with an inspired soloist, trumpeter Douglas. 2:50 p.m. at the Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage in Millennium Park.
Mark Turner Quartet. A compelling tenor saxophonist, Turner leads a band that includes drummer Marcus Gilmore. 7:10 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Dee Dee Bridgewater. A diva for all occasions. 8:30 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Sunday
Kenwood Academy High School Jazz Ensemble with Tomeka Reid. Kenwood's famous band plays music of Reid in celebrating the AACM's 50th anniversary. 3:45 p.m. at the Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage.
Jeff Parker Trio. The guitarist comes home to Chicago, where his sinewy solos will be welcome. 5 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.
Muhal Richard Abrams' Experimental Band. The festival's 50th anniversary homage to the AACM culminates with Abrams reviving an experiment he launched in 1962. 8:30 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion.-- H.R.
