Jazz Showcase
Jazz Showcase
4.5
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Monday
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Friday
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
3:30 PM - 10:00 PM
About
Jazz Showcase is the most historic jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, and now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe's son). Segal's national and international honors include being declared a "Master of Jazz" by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). "It is a great honor to be placed in the same company with so many of the wonderful artists I have presented all of these years!" Joe Segal, 88. The greatest names in jazz have played at Jazz Showcase including the likes of Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and Art Blakey. Having changed location numerous times since its founding, the club relocated again in 2008 to Dearborn Station, in Chicago, Illinois. Today, Jazz Showcase continues to thrive and bring in top local, national, and international talent. Jazz Showcase presents live music 7 nights a week. Our famous 4 pm Sunday Matinee is geared towards families (Free admission for kids 12 and under). The 170-seat venue is available for group outings during any of our live performances and for private events during the day.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Harrison • 4 min walk
- Roosevelt • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
200 reviews
Excellent
158
Very good
32
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
RudySzymon
Chicago, IL1,322 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We have been frequenting this establishment for 30 years in different locations. Depending on who is playing a few times per year. Convenient location on south end of the loop. The club with a great history and great musicians performing daily. Also, with collaboration with WDCB jazz station, they offer free concerts a few times a year. Best place in Chicago for live jazz.
Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AKALFA
Santa Clara, CA74 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We booked the VIP seats which meant we had very comfy sofas instead of chairs. Not really necessary as the place was not too busy on a Tuesday night but for a special night out without kids it was worth the extra $. Bar provided table service which was great. No food service but apparently you can order in. We did the early show so we ate after the show. We saw Juli Woods quartet- absolutely amazing. Invited the audience to stay for the second set. Unfortunately had made other plans. Definitely recommend adding this venue to your Chicago entertainment plans!
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debmink
Mount Horeb, WI315 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We went to hear the legendary jazz bassist Chuck Israels. First set forty-five minutes—fine. Second set started almost an HOUR later! To me, that is a slap in the face to an audience. Major inconsideration.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnetwerker
Portland, OR3,397 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This was my first experience, and I found the visit lovely. The seating was good, the drinks weren't overpriced, the sound system was excellent, the servers were polite and mostly attentive. We moved from a couch to a table because the couches were a bit too "soft", but otherwise we had an excellent time. We'll return on our next trip to the Windy City.
Written December 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryjane b
Indianapolis, IN1 contribution
Dec 2015 • Family
We just left the 8:00 show of Roy Hargrove Quintet having watched a man in the grips of drug addiction. Roy could barely enter the stage let alone stand there. What is most disappointing is that the band supports this man by playing with him instead of refusing to when he is that high. Are these friends? Furthermore, we have enjoyed many shows at the Jazz Showcase, but what is a full house worth? Roy is a shadow of his former self in physique and abilities and is gripped by the savages of drug addiction. The Jazz Showcase would do a greater service to Roy to discontinue the show and tell him they won't ask him back until he is clean and deserves the stage to play. We are supporting someone's demise attending the show, and as an audience member, I struggled through the whole show.
Written December 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel574
Cypress, TX149 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We were looking for a good place in Chicago to listen to live Jazz and the Jazz Showcase was highly recommended. Went here for a late 10:00 PM show and just had a great night listening to some really good music and a couple of drinks before calling it a night. The tickets were cash only but the bar does accept credit cards. They serve no food here but I was told you can bring food - not 100% sure so I would confirm. You step back in time here as the place has the feel of a 1940’s Jazz nightclub. It’s been here since 1947 and is noted as the premier place for Jazz in Chicago. We saw the Carmen Lundy Quartet and they were just over the top good. Great vocals and musicianship. Really cool place and cannot wait to return.
Written December 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AryanaToronto
Chicago, IL181 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Hands down the best ambiance and music. Highly recommended!
We have been to multiple jazz venues in chicago and this was a great find.
We have been to multiple jazz venues in chicago and this was a great find.
Written May 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1w1w
Thornhill, Canada103 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Place is amazing! We are highly recommend to visit to all jazz lovers! Very cozy warm atmosphere, no food, drinks only.
Written April 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ville M
Kaarina, Finland53 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
Jazz Showcase is, as their slogan says, where the jazz lives in Chicago. The owner, older gentleman, who has run the club decades, will most propably welcome you at the ticket desk. Note that only cash or online orders are accepted.
After you are guided to your table (or sofa or seat), waitress come to take your drink orders. The owner will say some preliminary words and introduce the artist of the night. Drink prices are affordable and table service works smoothly throughout the gig. After the show, you should really take a look around as the walls are covered with both photos and posters from many jazz legends. Most likely you will meet the tonight's artist also at the bar after the show.
If you came to the 8 pm gig, you are able to stay for 10 pm too if there is space. It's of course polite to give front seats & sofas for new guests and move to back of the room.
In case you visit Chicago and must see only one jazz club gig, this is really THE place.
After you are guided to your table (or sofa or seat), waitress come to take your drink orders. The owner will say some preliminary words and introduce the artist of the night. Drink prices are affordable and table service works smoothly throughout the gig. After the show, you should really take a look around as the walls are covered with both photos and posters from many jazz legends. Most likely you will meet the tonight's artist also at the bar after the show.
If you came to the 8 pm gig, you are able to stay for 10 pm too if there is space. It's of course polite to give front seats & sofas for new guests and move to back of the room.
In case you visit Chicago and must see only one jazz club gig, this is really THE place.
Written December 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting our musical home the Jazz Showcase and supporting this great music we love called Jazz. Hope to see you again soon.
Thank you,
WAyne
Written December 10, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DonQ_55
Chicago, IL126 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
The Jazz Showcase has been operating in various places in Chicago since 1947, and its current location is the best one yet. The owner, Joe Segal, recently was given an NEA Jazz Master Award for his work in jazz over the past seven decades, and his son manages the place. The sight lines are terrific, the sound is great, and the music is consistently first rate. They book national artists for the weekend starting on Thursday, but keep Mon-Tues-Wed for local talent, of which Chicago overflows with richness. If you splurge on VIP you'll sit close to the stage, but there is a clear view from everywhere. It's a listening room, which means exactly that: Respect the music, keep your chatting for between sets, and listen. And enjoy!
Written May 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the additional $4.95 event fee apply to cash tickets purchased at the door on the date of the event?
Written December 22, 2023
Hi, just a quick note to tell you that Winard Harper will be once again at the Jazz Showcase from THU April 18 to SUN April 21 - matinée on Sunday.
Written April 7, 2019
Orlantha W
Chicago, Illinois
My question was answered about the seating thank you.
Written February 22, 2019
Could be. Why dont you contact the place
Written February 1, 2019
Are there small tables in the VIP section or just chairs in rows? Is outside food allowed?
Written December 6, 2018
There are small tables in the VIP sections, not the rows
No outside food
Written December 7, 2018
Depende de la actuación. Pagué $30 por ver a Chucho Valdes. Dentro cervezas por 5-6$ y copas y cocteles por 12-17$
Written January 29, 2018
Hi!
Is it possible to bring a 15 years old? And is there any dinner?
Written June 2, 2017
What is the best arrival time for the 8:00 set? When do the doors open?
Written March 31, 2017
You can check in at 7:30 PM and enjoy taking pictures and some drinks or you can check in at 8:00 pm as well.
Written April 1, 2017
courtneyyvonne
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Is food offered at the Jazz Showcase?
Written December 16, 2016
We have a full bar but we don't serve food. You're welcomed to order delivery or bring food to the show.
Written December 17, 2016
Where should I park for the 8pm show tonight?
Written October 15, 2016
There is a open parking lot immediately beside the venue, accessed from Plymouth Court. Tell the attendant you are going for jazz, and the price is low. (I think it might be $5)
Written June 2, 2018
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