July 22--Jazzin' at the Shedd is here for the summer, Wednesday evenings on the patio and in the galleries of the Shedd Aquarium. Come for the jazz, come for the exhibits -- most everything in the aquarium, even Wild Reef, is open after hours -- or just come for the halibut. (Er, Pacific halibut, see Sept. 9.) Jazzin' at the Shedd is one of the city's al fresco hangouts, and it's more than just taking in the Chicago skyline with music and cocktails on hand. Should you want it to be.
First the music: There are rotating evenings of Latin jazz, jazz and blues, jazz funk and more. Says Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich: "The series strives to reach listeners with a pop-tinged approach to jazz, making this a non-threatening way to put your toe into the music. Even so, some serious Chicago players are included, most notably vocalist Petra van Nuis and saxophonist Chris Greene. If these shows lure listeners into Chicago's jazz clubs, bravo for that."
Next, the sea creatures: This is your chance to tour almost the entire aquarium in uncrowded, non-hectic Adult Mode; all exhibits are open though some have early closings. Your admission includes the Abbott Oceanarium, Polar Play Zone, Amphibians (open to 8 p.m.) "Wild Reef" (to 9 p.m.), and the rest of the galleries and outdoor terraces (those until 10 p.m.). The "Stingray Touch" experience (to 8 p.m.) is an additional $3.
Then throw in some extras this summer.
Jazzin' Science Pub: On select nights, the Shedd hosts informal sessions with aquarium researchers and experts. Aug. 12: "Cool Critters at Shedd," speaker to be announced. Sept. 2: "Amphibians" with Dr. Bill Van Bonn. Sept. 9: "Fish Farming -- The Facts, The Fiction and the Fantastic of Aquaculture" with Aislinn Gauchay and local aquaculture producers, all about sustainable seafood (including that halibut).
Shoreline fireworks cruises: The Shedd has partnered with Shoreline Sightseeing for 45-minute fireworks cruises on select nights. Boats depart the museum campus dock at 9 p.m. and drop off at either Navy Pier or back at the Shedd; July 22, 29 and Aug. 5, $35 in-person or sheddaquarium.org
And last, the skyline: If touching a stingray is just not part of your after-work relaxation plans, the view from the Shedd's lakefront patio still is worth the price of admission. Watch the sun set behind the skyscrapers, or be assured Jazzin' at the Shedd is rain or shine, with plenty of indoor space is the weather turns out to be best for fishes.
2015 SCHEDULE
July 22 Jazz and Blues: Brent Kimbrough Company, Greg Duncan Trio, Petra van Nuis
July 29 Latin Jazz: Rio Bamba, William Boris Trio, Tim Fitzgerald Duo
Aug. 5 Smooth Jazz: Chris Greene Quartet, William Boris Trio, Tim Fitzgerald Duo
Aug. 12 Jazz Funk: Detour JazFunk, William Boris Trio, Tim Fitzgerald Duo
Aug. 19 International Jazz: Agnieszka Iwanska, Tim Fitzgerald Trio, William Boris Duo
Aug. 26 Latin Jazz: Rio Bamba, Tim Fitzgerald Trio, William Boris Duo
Sept. 2 Smooth Jazz: Chris Greene Quartet, Tim Fitzgerald Trio, William Boris Duo
Sept. 9 Jazz Funk: Detour JazFunk, Tim Fitzgerald Trio, William Boris Duo
dgeorge@tribpub.com
Jazzin' at the Shedd
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 9
Where: John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Tickets: $18 online, $20 at the door; 312-939-2438 and sheddaquarium.org/jazzin
