Black History Month 2025: Music and Performing Arts Events in the Chicago Area

Chicago hosts a vibrant and eclectic mix of concerts and performances to honor Black artistry. Check out these events to take part in the celebrations!

Live Results: Grammy Winners

Sunday, February 2, 2025, is the year’s biggest night for music. Peruse the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees, and see the winners as they’re announced!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Favorite Songs

Songs by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Staples Singers, and even music for the jitterbug can be found on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s playlist.

Classical Sounds Jazz Playlist

LaRob and Kristina share a playlist that embarks on a musical exploration of the intricate interplay between jazz and classical music, sharing examples of where these two seemingly disparate worlds weave into a harmonious tapestry.

Chicago Holiday Performances Guide 2024: Concerts, Nutcrackers, Jazz, and more

From all corners of the city and beyond, take part in holiday cheer with a wide range of merriment.

Grammy Nominees 2025

Dive in to the classical, jazz, contemporary, folk, screen, and stage nominees!

Al Capone: Mob Boss and… Music Lover?

During his reign in Chicago, Al Capone, who you may not know loved opera, was one of the city’s biggest jazz impresarios.

10 Composers Who Were Inspired by Their Travels

From Bolivia to Ghana to India to the US, the perspective-changing experience of travel influenced many of your favorite composers.

Guarneri Hall Announces ’24–25 Season With 20th Century, Jazz

Plus chamber music and a live score for a silent film.

Juneteenth Events in Chicago 2024

Concerts, festivals, and more to celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago.

Chicago Music and Arts Events for Summer 2024

Summer arts riches — from open air concerts to music legends passing through our great city.

David Sanborn, Grammy-winning saxophonist who played on hundreds of albums, dies at 78

Equally versatile and prolific, Sanborn enjoyed rare fame and popularity for a saxophone player.

UChicago Presents 2024–25 Season: Roomful of Teeth, Mobley, Reid

Featuring classical, jazz, blues, and other musical forms, the series spans from October to May.

Chicago a cappella Announces 2024–25 Season

Across three programs, the ensemble mines early music, prose, and jazz inspirations in performances in Chicago and its suburbs.

Harris Theater Shares ’24–25 Season

The lineup includes chamber performances, dance, family programming, and more.

Dance Acts Star in Auditorium 2024–25 Season

The Loop’s “theatre for the people” presents music and dance titles from October to May.

Classical Sounds Jazz Playlist

LaRob and Kristina share a playlist that embarks on a musical exploration of the intricate interplay between jazz and classical music, sharing examples of where these two seemingly disparate worlds weave into a harmonious tapestry.

Brain scans of Philly jazz musicians reveal secrets to reaching creative flow

Jazz improvisation is a favorite vehicle for studies — it is a measurable real-world task that allows for divergent thinking.

From ‘Jaws’ to ‘Schindler’s List,’ John Williams has infused movie scores with adventure and emotion

Orchestral demand for John Williams’ music has risen so much that his career as a classical musician is almost as fruitful as his film music work.

Explore New Orleans-Style Jazz

New Orleans is at the nexus of cultures: influences from the African diaspora, from France, from Native American communities, and many more.

Follow Live: Grammy 2024 Winners

Follow live on Sunday, February 4, as music’s biggest awards are given out!

Musical Events for Black History Month

Honor Black artistry with an entire month of exciting musical events — operas, chamber concerts, jazz orchestras, broadcasts, and more!

Playlist: Jazz Takes on Classical Greats

The special bond between jazz and classical is growing closer by the day. So let’s appreciate these incredible renditions of timeless classical favorites!

In Their Own Words: Remembering Those Who Died in 2023

Recognizing the Chicagoans, musicians, artists, and friends of WFMT who died this past year.

Playlist: The Best Classical Christmas Albums of 2023

Stunning renditions of contemporary works, stirring early music performances, and more.

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