The 2022 St. Charles Jazz Weekend is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. This year's Jazz Weekend, presented by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, will feature 25+ live music performances at 15+ different venues. Not only will there be fantastic jazz music being played all weekend long, but many businesses are also offering specials and promotions in honor of the festivities. You do not want to miss this jam-packed weekend, so get ready to head on over to St. Charles to join in on the fun!
Photo Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance
If you're coming from out-of-town, you're going to need a place to spend the night. Fortunately, St. Charles has many places that you can stay. The historic Hotel Baker is located right in the heart of downtown and is in walking distance to many of the venues that are hosting performances for Jazz Weekend. There are also plenty of other options including the Holiday Inn Express or the Hilton Garden Inn, which is just a short drive to downtown. You can find the list of all the places to stay here. No matter what your lodging needs consist of, you are sure to find an option for an amazing stay.
Photo Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance
Before you rush down to watch all the exciting jazz performances, make sure you download the Travel St. Charles app. The Jazz Weekend Check-In Challenge, sponsored by the Arcada Theatre, is a new challenge made specifically for Jazz Weekend that can put you in the running for a pair of free tickets to a show at the Arcada Theatre! Once you download the app, make sure to create an account. From there, all you have to do is attend three Jazz Weekend performances and hit the "Check-In Now" button on the event listing on the app. Once you've checked into three, you will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the Arcada Theatre! Three winners will be chosen at random from all entrants who complete the challenge. Winners will be notified via email on September 12th.
Photo Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance
Now that you've downloaded the Travel St. Charles app, it's time to listen to some music! Opening up Jazz Weekend is 3-time Grammy-winning and 11-time Grammy-nominated Frank Catalano. Frank will be playing at the Filling Station Pub and Grill on September 8th from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. You're not going to want to miss this performance, as Frank has recorded alongside some incredible artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, and John Legend. Grab some of the "Best Burgers in the Fox Valley" and go listen to what will be a very memorable show.
Photo Courtesy of Kahnman.com
The following night, Jeremy Kahn and The Chicago All-Stars will be performing "A Swingin' Affair" at the Baker Community Center from 7:30pm - 9pm. Chicago native, Jeremy Kahn, is a renowned jazz pianist that has had the opportunity to play all over the world. The Chicago All-Stars also consist of saxophonist/clarinetist Eric Schneider, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. This is a ticketed performance, so be sure to purchase tickets at the Baker Community Center Website.
Photo Courtesy of Thechicagoexperience.com
That same evening, The Chicago Experience will be performing at the Arcada Theatre at 8:30pm. They will be paying homage to the legendary band, Chicago, with "A Tribute to Rock with Horns." Listen to them play classic Chicago hits, such as "Saturday in the Park" and "Beginnings." You can purchase tickets to this performance at the Arcada Theatre Website.
Photos Courtesy of Pollyanna Brewing Company, Jeans & A Cute Top Shop, The Office Dining & Spirits, and The Pep Line
Aside from the great jazz music being played around town, many of the local stores and restaurants will also be offering specials and promotions to celebrate the occasion. Pollyanna Brewing Company will be serving up a Blue Note Cocktail - a raspberry infused Pollyanna vodka, lemon lime soda, and soda water, while Jeans & A Cute Top Shop will be offering 20% off all jewelry all weekend long. These are just a couple of the many specials that will be taking place during the weekend. You can view the full list of Jazz Weekend specials and promotions here.
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance and Victorgarciamusic.com
Start off your Saturday by heading over to the First Street Plaza to catch a performance by the St. Charles North High School Jazz Workshop from 12pm - 12:45pm. First Street is filled with great shops, so it's a perfect opportunity to listen to some tunes, while taking advantage of all those Jazz Weekend specials. The St. Charles North High School Jazz Workshop will be playing alongside special guest, Victor Garcia. Victor Garcia is a 3-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter based in Chicago and has been called "one of the most exciting young musicians" by Neil Tesser at Examiner.com. He has had the chance to play alongside a variety of well-known artists including Aretha Franklin, the Temptations and the Isley Brothers.
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance and Shawn Salmon
After you've done a little shopping and listened to some mid-day jazz music, head over to Mt. St. Mary Park where the St. Charles Park District is hosting a Sip & Stroll on September 10th from 3pm - 5pm. This 21 and older event will give you a chance to view the changing of seasons at the outdoor arboretum, and to admire the unique artwork at the sculpture exhibit. You can do this all while listening to Shawn Salmon, an incredible jazz guitarist who has performed at many popular venues in the Chicagoland area. Did we mention that there will be delicious local beverages and food, too? Several local businesses will be providing libations to sip on and bites to eat while you enjoy the ambience. Advance registration is required for the Sip & Stroll, so register for the event here.
To find more information about all things Jazz Weekend, check out the Jazz Weekend website. To view the entire Jazz Weekend music schedule, click here.
Looking for more things to do around town? Download the Travel St. Charles App: your insider's guide to having the best day in St. Charles, IL.