Jazz Showcase

Chicago, United States

4.2

Open now

29 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 312-360-0234
Website:
www.jazzshowcase.com
Address:
Dearborn Station 806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL, 60605
South Loop
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
330 ftState & Polk
570 ftClark & Polk
580 ftState & Balbo
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Loud
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
No
Best Nights
Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Has TV
No
Accepts Apple Pay
No

Today

Today 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Open now
Local time (Chicago) 22:42 Friday, 29 November 2024

Business hours

Monday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Tuesday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Wednesday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thursday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday 4:00 pm – 12:00 am

Description

Specialties

The Jazz Showcase is the oldest historic jazz listening room in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe Segal’s son). Today, we continue to be a thriving Jazz club in Chicago and continues to bring in the top international & Chicago homegrown musicians. Jazz Showcase presents live music 7 nights a week. Our famous 4 pm Sunday Matinée is geared towards families (Free admission for kids 12 and under). We accept cash at the door but you can use your credit card for bar service. You can also purchase tickets online with credit card at our Jazz showcase website.

History

Established in 1947.

Founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe Segal’s son) — Today, the Jazz showcase continues to be a thriving Jazz club in Chicago and continues to bring in the top international & Chicago homegrown musicians. The greatest name in Jazz have played at the Jazz showcase on Tour including Chris Potter, Frank Morgan, Danilo Perez, Larry Coryell, Paul Wertico, James Carter, Stu Katz, Ira Sullivan, Winard Harper, McCoy Tyner, Dexter Gordon, Bunky Green, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Smith, Randy Weston, Barry Harris, Joey DeFrancesco, Jack McDuff, Bill Evans, Walter Bishop Jr., Sun Ra, Thad Jones/​Mel Lewis Orchestra, Sonny Stitt, Yusef Lateef, Eddie Jefferson, Richie Cole, Joe Lovano, Dizzy Gillespie (who appeared there on his birthday for many years), Johnny Griffin, Eddie «Lockjaw» Davis, Howard McGee, George Benson, Pat Martino, and many others…

Meet the Business Owner

Joe Segal S.

Business Owner

Joe Segal is the elder statesman of the Chicago Jazz scene. As a Jazz fan, Segal has referred to himself as the «Original Bebop Boy» and has a special affinity for the great Charlie Parker. Because of his decades-​long dedication to the preservation and promotion of jazz in American culture, Roosevelt University offered Segal the Honorary Doctorate degree. Segal is a «cultural icon in his own right,» said Roosevelt president Chuck Middleton in a statement. «His career and life at the Jazz Showcase embody the traditions of Roosevelt University in every way.»

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29 reviews of Jazz Showcase

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Highly recommended for both stalwart Chicagoans who are looking for a live music venue that is comfortable and relatively inexpensive as well as anyone who loves jazz. An excellent value. Great talent. Staff is friendly and efficient. Parking is available and cheap.
Place rating: 5
Coconut Creek, FL
This room is a must do for the jazz lover in Chicago. We arrived between sets so we were able walk around and look at all the memorabilia on the walls all around the room. I’m not a musician but i could tell all history of the place was very colorful and went back a long time. Every night is a different featured act so you wont get bored visiting this spot time after time.
Extra points for not being smoky or stinking of stale alcohol. I often have to leave clubs because of being unable to breathe. I also loved the seating layout that allowed me to see the stage for the entire evening. Go here and support live music.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I brought my mother here while she was visiting the city last December. This is a very musician-​driven club, hence «Showcase.» While it isn’t encouraged to socialize during artist performances, it is common to be able to sit in for the second show of the evening without having to purchase a second ticket. This left a good sized window open to chat with others around us. Both ticket and drink prices are very reasonable. I definitely suggest reserving VIP tickets when you attend shows here, as seats (beautiful couches) are offered as well as faster service! Although they don’t have a kitchen, they do allow guests to bring in outside food!
Place rating: 5
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
Awesome laid-​back atmosphere, good drinks, great music. VIP seating is definitely just that — very front row in some comfortable couches.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Fantastic time! First time but won’t be my last. Very intimate and stress free. Parking in back was a plus. Drinks are reasonably priced and cc card is accepted inside (not at box office in front). A nice place for a date or to unwind with friends. You’ll enjoy!
Place rating: 4
Evanston, IL
Great place for a small group of friends. Admission is $ 5 for students which is awesome!
This was my first time at a Jazz Bar and loved it. I don’t have enough experience to really say whether the performers were amazing or not but I definitely enjoyed myself. They played 3 sets (30 mins each) and then they took a break so we could chat among ourselves.
Drinks are a bit expensive ($ 12 for a glenlivet).
I would definitely go back though.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
Arrived ay 9:50PM for the show at 10. Show started at 10:15PM and ended at 10:45PM. Bartender was bad. Was not a place to visit twice.
Place rating: 4
Evanston, IL
Sweet music, nice ambience. The staff are good too. Drinks a little expensive but totally worth the jazz music. Tons of space on the weekdays.
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
I came here for New Years Eve and was supper excited to ring in the new year with some jazz.
The music was wonderful, but we left with a sour taste in our mouth when one of the managers/​bartenders shushed us! We were sitting at the bar, quite far from the band itself, so we really didn’t see any harm in some chit chat while the music was playing.
I’d love to come back and try it out on a regular night, as this night was just A-​OK.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Wow! Coworker and I wanted to celebrate our Christmas break. We wanted to go out to listen to some live jazz. Ive heard so much about the jazz showcase and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see Rodger Glasper Trio. People came everywhere from out of town, south side, Wheaton and Highland Park.
Show was sold out! We were lucky enough to get standing tickets by the bar. Great music, Great view, Great environment and Wonderful staff. No matter where you seated it was a great seat. Drinks, the bartender allowed you sample couple of choices. Wow! Never had a bartender do that before.
I recommend this for a date night, meet up with friends and for the ones who just loves great music. The crowd was diverse in ages, race and sizes of people. Before or
afterward you can dined at Bar Louie’s. That located on the corner.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
After living in the south loop for 6 years my wife and I finally made it to the Jazz Showcase to see the Roy Hargrove Quintet. A fantastic venue for live jazz, the band was groovin’ and put on a great show! The show seemed to be sold out, as the venue was full, but there was not a bad seat in the house. And they have some couches, in different areas of the seating area.
The wait staff was busy before and during the show serving cocktails, service was a little slow but the two servers had a full house so I can’t expect them to work faster than they did. They were hustling to accommodate all the customers.
Previous reviews mentioned the bathroom cleanliness. I did use the restroom, and did not see the same issues as previous posters.
Drink prices are actually very reasonable comparative to other places in the loop. Beer $ 5 – 7, and cocktails $ 7 – 12.
Not sure why we waited so long to actually come here, but will definitely be back regularly now!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
My Bestie invite me out to see Robert Glasper in concert. Amazing very low key and mature atmosphere.
The whole experience was grown sexy and relaxing.
I felt so relaxed after a long week at work. Nice music wine and awesome ambience.
Well be back for another concert.
Place rating: 4
Salt Lake City, UT
A fantastic venue for live jazz. Just don’t order the High Society cocktail, it tastes like Robitussin cough medicine.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I’m not a huge Jazz music guy so this is coming from the perspective of a newb just having a good time. Went here with a jazz enthusiast and she loved it. The band was really talented and easy to listen to. Drink menu had a lot to offer from cocktails to beers. Venue had plenty of seating available. One could sit right in front of the band or in the back by the bar. Good place to bring a date. Dim lit atmosphere with a spotlight on the mainstage. It was a fresh experience.
Place rating: 4
Wilmington, DE
We went to see Joey De Francesco, arguably one of the greatest B3 organ players ever (per my date). If you are a jazz enthusiastic you will love the place. They frequent live musicians each week. The owner went over the schedule, and I wished I lived in the area. There was not a bad seat in the house. Good vibes, good music. Apparently on Sunday, you can bring your children to a matinée so they can experience real music. :)
Our Über driver was unfamiliar with the area. Thankfully we saw the BIG Jazz Showcase sign before he put us out at any one of several abandoned buildings. SMH.
The drinks are expensive, but it doesn’t matter if you come from the music. After looking at the other reviews, I didn’t even try to go to the bathroom.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Went on a Thursday on a date
This was a great spot I never head of
Great atmosphere. Lots of history and great music
20 to get … A little high price for only 90 min set, but I think worth it
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
Fabulous!!! Cheap cover and a great performance last night. I especially appreciate that you don’t have to meet a drink/​food minimum here. I am so happy I happened upon this place.
Place rating: 4
Schaumburg, IL
Went here on a Sunday afternoon and enjoyed the space and live jazz music.
Beer is cheap. Only $ 5 – 7 but I don’t recommend getting a cocktail. The bartender didn’t know how to make the most basic of drinks.
Parking is only $ 5 so I recommend driving and parking — don’t drink and drive though
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Wonderful venue for jazz.
Saw Jodi Roberts who took requests from the audience (just no Miley Cyrus :-(). She was absolutely amazing. The people are chill AND the couches are nice. What more can you ask for?
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I brought a friend here for his birthday and the experience was AMAZING. The venue is intimate and the space is medium sized but can fill up pretty quickly so get there early. The Jazz was great and I was ready to come back again before I even left lol I will be back here for sure!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I want to give it 5 stars but they don’t take care of the bathroom between shows and charge $ 1 extra (separate line item in the bill and everything) for ice in your drink… just petty stuff for a $ 30 cover charge. The mystic and space saves it but maybe this is just a preview of the post Joe Segal régime.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Seriously, why consider going anywhere else?
I went here on a my first weekend living in Chicago and I was blown away at how good it was. The music was sooooooo gooood!!! They mixed up the show between high energy jazz, smooth and sultry, and finally, classic jazz. Each instrument was given a solo so you really got a taste of the various personal styles. I was actually sad that I couldn’t record the music, but it means I’ll definitely have to return. This is easily my new date spot, and a place I hope to go once a week.
The venue is also the best I’ve seen of dedicated jazz clubs in town. I love the couches, the vintage pictures and advertisements, and the fact that every seat has a good view of the stage without standing spectators obstructing your enjoyment.
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
I agree with everyone that the jazz performances are wonderful, however, I do wish the owner would consider A better cocktail menu to ensure his cocktails are the same caliber as the performances.
I have been to the Jazz Showcase several times, however I am always disappointed by the quality of the mixed drinks served. The bartenders are very nice and courteous but the mixers are always flat and the drinks are watered down. I live in the neighborhood and would go more often if the complete experience was better.
Place rating: 5
Reading, MA
Had a wonderful holiday treat to visit Joe Segal’s (new) dogs and to see the fantastic Roy Hargrove Quartet on January 2. Had not been to venue since before it moves from the historic Blackstone and was pleasantly surprised. While it lacked the retro-​cool ambience of the original, it was comfy enough (get VIP seating if possible), some former staff were on hand, jazz enthusiasts were aglow in the intimate setting and the smell of stale cigar and cigarette smoke was gone (yay!).
For Chicago to have the unique vintage it possesses with jazz, why are there so few intimate venues today in which to enjoy world-​class artists such as Hargrove? Fortunately, not only does the Showcase still make this possible but affordable. Additionally, my party ordered three premium cocktails for under $ 20 and convenient parking was only $ 5 — in the South Loop!
Thank you Jazz Showcase for keeping it real and keeping it ALIVE.
By the way, Hargrove and Co. were ON FIRE during the last show of the evening and he even treated us to a vocal rendition of «Never Let Me Go». It was stirringly emotional and captive.
Place rating: 5
Bloomingdale, IL
This venue is an awesome place to enjoy jazz in Chicago. Parking is very convenient with a lot right next door and a security person to watch over your ride. Inside the staff were extremely nice to us and showed us to a table. We had to share because it is crowded, but this was not a problem. Drinks are served at the table, but you can also bring in someone under 18 as long as you are a parent or guardian. I did not see any food options.
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
We had a great experience because we had a private pre-​party but I was disappointed the band started an hour later than scheduled time which means I had to miss most of the show!
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I recently went to Jazz Showcase with a group of friends. I had never heard of the place, but was blown away by how much fun it was! Good music, good alcohol selection, and great atmosphere. The location is in a strange area. Safe, but strange.
I have lived in the South Loop for a while and am only a 12 minute walk away from this place (it is ~10 minutes from the corner of Michigan and Roosevelt).
Now that I know Jazz Showcase exists, I will definitely be going back!
Place rating: 3
Hermance, Suisse
Bön Jazz classique quand j’y suis passé!
Ça dépend des musiciens programmés.
Voir le programme avant.
Personnellement j’y ai passé une bonne soirée.
Place rating: 5
Chesterfield, MO
The highlight of our trip to Chicago was our visit to Jazz Showcase. KT had asked if we would like to see some jazz while in town so we did a little investigation and ended up at Jazz Showcase based on its reputation and the artists playing that weekend. We happened to be there for the Ari Brown Quintet and found enough examples of his playing on YouTube to know what we would be hearing.
This review is for Jazz Showcase and not for Ari Brown, but I must say I would go back to hear him and his group any time. At least on the night we were there they played great straight-​ahead hard bop, it was perfect for our group. We all liked it. I would like to see him come down to St Louis to Jazz at the Bistro. I was surprised the place was not packed full for this local talent. I hope he is appreciated in Chicago.
We are regulars at Jazz at the Bistro and found Jazz Showcase to be similar. It is a little larger, seating and viewing is still excellent and it remains an intimate venue. It is a listening room with drinks service, rather than a nightclub. I have bookmarked Jazz Showcase to watch the artists that they have coming. I would not rule out an occasional drive to Chicago for more. Places like this keep Jazz accessible to those of us who prefer the intimate places to the concert halls and who are not night club people. I also liked that they have Sunday afternoon family friendly matinees. This is a great place for jazz.