Jazz

Regional jazz and blues artists convene at Jazz UpFront, while a Mackinaw Valley Vineyards dinner dresses up in a Knights of the Round Table theme.

The second annual Further Jazz Festival includes an 8-piece band playing Oliver Nelson's 1961 landmark album, "Blues and the Abstract Truth," led by Oliver Nelson, Jr.

This weekend's offerings include two ways to beat the heat and a 10k run on the Mother Road.

Bloomington-Normal may not be known for jazz, but the Further Jazz Festival this weekend will bring together some of central Illinois' best jazz players and scholars.

Bessie. Billie. And Nina. As dynamic vocalists, these women were pioneers on several fronts, and their legacies are taking center stage in the show "Bessie, Billie, & Nina - Pioneering Women in Jazz," which will be coming to the Bloomington Center for Performing on Wednesday night.

Bessie. Billie. And Nina. As dynamic vocalists, these women were pioneers on several fronts, and their legacies are taking center stage in the show "Bessie, Billie, & Nina - Pioneering Women in Jazz," which will be coming to the Bloomington Center for Performing on Wednesday night.

Normal native Adam Larson's "With Love, From Chicago" is a nod to the city that embraced him after he moved to New York City.

Booze and jazz music are common bedfellows. Rarer is the pairing of jazz with craft beer in a family-friendly environment. Saturday in Uptown Normal, Medici revives its popular street festival dedicated to all three with live bands, craft brews, food and fun for the whole family.

When saxophonist Christopher McBride and his band “The Whole Proof” play Jazz UpFront in Bloomington Saturday night, they’ll bring “the entire African-American experience with them.”

Adie Mendez won't release her debut album until later this year. But raves for her collaborative songwriting with other Bloomington-Normal artists and her live performances are already trickling in. The 17-year old U-High student - an IMEA All-State Vocal Jazz selection for 3 years running - said that strong jazz foundation is a common thread through all her music.