With Local Note jazz club expected to open in downtown Evanston within months, ʼCats will have more opportunities to hear live jazz music near campus.
This new arrival will join other restaurants and music venues that have been featuring local and popular artists for decades. The Daily has compiled a list of five places to hear jazz in Evanston, including some upcoming performances.
Evanston SPACE
1243 Chicago Ave.
Located seven blocks from campus, SPACE has a standing room capacity of more than 300, according to its website. It was recently voted Best Date Night Spot in Evanston in The Daily’s Best of Evanston poll and has hosted folk-rock artists including The Lumineers and Brandi Carlile, but it also often features jazz musicians. Blues musician Chris Cain opened his tour there in February, and jazz pianist Fred Hersch is scheduled to play at the venue on April 20.
Studio5
1938 Dempster St.
Studio5 frequently brings the sound of jazz to western Evanston, about two miles from campus. Opened by two Northwestern alumni, the center often spotlights small jazz combos and ensembles. Jazz pianist Dennis Luxion, who performed with acclaimed jazz trumpeter Chet Baker, is scheduled to perform there on April 24.
Evanston Pour
528 Dempster St.
A coffee house by day, Evanston Pour occasionally transforms into a jazz club by night. The Chicago Jazz Dads, a local jazz combo, perform at the business monthly.
Prairie Moon
1635 Chicago Ave.
This restaurant dishes out not only American food but also opportunities for community members to listen to and play jazz. There is live jazz every Wednesday night, and jam sessions on the first Thursday of each month. Upcoming acts scheduled at the restaurant include the Steve Million Organ Trio on April 22 and the Kyle Madsen Duo on April 29.
Ward Eight
629 W. Howard St.
Located right on the border of Evanston and Chicago, a city with one of the most vibrant jazz heritages in the world, Ward Eight is a cocktail bar that features the Stephen Parisi Trio weekly on Thursdays.
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