Jan. 02--A very hot winter in jazz:
Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band; Carlos Henriquez Quintet: Symphony Center's jazz season continues with a high-powered double-bill featuring the Palmieri's septet and a quintet led by bassist Henriquez, best known for his work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. 8 p.m. Jan. 16 in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $28-$70; 312-294-3000 or cso.org
"Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah": Handel's masterpiece swings jubilantly in this annual production, presented to salute Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Singers Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson will star. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy.; $25-$70; 800-982-2787 or auditoriumtheatre.org
Dianne Reeves: One of the most accomplished jazz singers working today, Reeves leads a large ensemble in music from her "Beautiful Life" album. 8 p.m. Jan. 30 in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $38-$95; 312-294-3000 or cso.org
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: The foremost event in the Symphony Center season is a three-concert residency by the country's top large jazz ensemble. 8 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14, and a "Jazz for Young People" performance at 1 p.m. Feb. 14; prices vary; 312-294-3000 or cso.org
Butler, Bernstein the Hot 9; Dee Alexander: Pianist Henry Butler, trumpeter Steven Bernstein and the Hot 9 released the best jazz recording of 2014, "Viper's Drag," a buoyant ode to Butler's hometown, New Orleans. Opening the show: Chicagoan Alexander, an uncommonly versatile and charismatic jazz diva. 8 p.m. Feb. 27 in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $24-$57; 312-294-3000 or cso.org
Lee Konitz and Dan Tepfer Duo: Konitz, an icon of jazz alto saxophone, partners with pianist Tepfer, an original thinker who won attention for his innovative jazz recording of J.S. Bach's "Goldberg" Variations. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave.; $20-$35; constellation-chicago.com
Elmhurst College Jazz Festival: The 48th annual fest, one of the best such events in the country, will feature the Jimmy Heath Big Band, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20; Bill Holman Band, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21; and others. At Elmhurst College's Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst; prices vary; 630-617-5534 or elmhurst.edu
Cassandra Wilson: The singular vocalist celebrates this year's Billie Holiday centennial with music from her next recording, "Coming Forth by Day." 8 p.m. March 5 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; $42-$500; 312-526-3851 or thaliahallchicago.com
David Sanchez: A towering saxophonist who brings elements of his Puerto Rican heritage into jazz syntax, Sanchez makes a much-anticipated return to Chicago. 8 and 10 p.m. March 5 through 7; 4, 8 and 10 p.m. March 8; at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; $20-$40; 312-360-0234 or jazzshowcase.com
Miguel Zenon: The Puerto Rican theme continues, with Zenon -- a MacArthur Fellowship winner -- bringing his profoundly lyrical alto saxophone to his Chicago venue of choice. 8 and 10 p.m. March 26 through 28; 4, 8 and 10 p.m. March 29; at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; $20-$40; 312-360-0234 or jazzshowcase.com
hreich@tribpub.com
Twitter @howardreich
