PARTY WITH THE ANIMAL NIGHT LIFE

AT SHEDD’S ANNUAL JAZZIN’ AT THE SHEDD

13^th Season of Shedd’s Summer Concert Series Starts June 21

CHICAGO – The rhythmic sounds of jazz, folk, samba and funk will reverberate throughout Shedd Aquarium this summer, as the city’s top jazz musicians leave the lounge and head for the lake. Sponsored by WNUA 95.5, Jazzin’ at the Shedd returns for its 13^th season, allowing music lovers to enjoy the lively tunes of hot artists, while strolling through the aquarium’s galleries.

With extended hours every Thursday, Jazzin’ is an ideal evening summer spot for music and animal lovers of all ages. Guests will be able to see the aquarium in a whole new light – or lack thereof! See the dolphins as dusk settles over Lake Michigan in the Oceanarium; check out the sharks in the mysterious waters of Wild Reef; or watch the penguins as they settle in for the night.  Check out all of Shedd’s nightlife, while listening to some of Chicago’s best live jazz.     

During Jazzin’, lounge with lizards in Shedd’s must-see exhibit, Lizards and the Komodo King and learn more about these modern dinosaurs and their amazing array of adaptations. From the bacteria-filled mouth of the Komodo dragon to the expandable throat pouch of the bearded dragon, Shedd’s special exhibit, which was recently extended through the summer of 2008, provides an up-close look at some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

Featured upcoming performers include:

JUNE 21     

DETOUR JAZFUNK

Detour JazFunk is the sound of Chicago’s new urban jazz scene. Their music is built on a foundation of old school R&B’s soulful and funky grooves, blended with the melodic improvisations of classic and contemporary jazz. Detour JazFunk brings together the eclectic guitar and vocal stylings of Phil Seed with the show-stopping drumming and vocals of Ben “Jammin’” Johnson, the deep grooving funky electric bass of Kenery Kent Smith and the dynamic keyboard wizardry of Tim Gant. Detour is bringing JazFunk straight into the 21^st century.

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

The Jarrard Harris band, led by saxophonist and composer Jarrard Harris, has played numerous venues in Chicago. Harris has performed with The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Slide Hampton, Nicholas Payton and many others.

JUNE 28     

BMR4

Chris Bernhardt (acoustic bass), Jay Moynihan (saxophone), Mike
               Rodbard (drums), Neal Alger (guitar)

Upbeat, straight-ahead jazz with soul! The BMR4 is a Chicago jazz quartet that features some of the best players in the city including members of the Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks, and Patrica Barber bands.

THE TIM FITZGERALD TRIO

The Tim Fitzgerald Trio features an entertaining mix of straight-ahead jazz, funk, pop and soul music. Ernie Adams is one of the nation’s leading drummers, having toured with Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Turrentine, Al DiMeola, and many others. The soulful organist Tom Vaitsas rounds out this fun guitar trio.

JULY 5        

SERGIO PIRES ELECTROFUNKSAMBA

The Electrofunksamba project blends an organic mix of original contemporary Brazilian music and the urban sounds of electronic music. Between organic loops and tribal sounds, the improvisation takes place in a upbeat jazzy format, with Sergio Pires (guitar, vox), Dave Hiltebrand (bass, vox), Charles Heath (drums), Alejandro Urzagaste (guitar) and Rick Gehrenbeck (keys).

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

JULY 12

BILL PORTER QUINTET

Virtuoso trombonist, vocalist and irrepressible joke teller Bill Porter embodies the history and tradition of great classic jazz. Bill’s powerful trombone tone has mingled with the big bands of Harry James, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich, along with the Frank Sinatra Orchestra. Four of Chicago’s greatest jazz talents will also join Bill.

THE TIM FITZGERALD TRIO

JULY 19

LAKE EFFECT

Lake Effect is the exquisite smooth jazz band co-created by Neil Artwick and Bob Davis. Elegant compositions with attention to melodic detail and compelling liquid grooves are trademarks of the Lake Effect sound. 

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

JULY 26

GARY TU

Gary Tu is a jazz guitarist who has performed across the US and UK.  He has appeared at the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Chicago’s Asian-American Jazz Festival, Milwaukee Jazz In the Park and Rochester Jazz Festival.

THE TIM FITZGERALD TRIO

AUGUST 2

DEE ALEXANDER QUARTET

Dee Alexander is one of Chicago's most gifted and respected female vocalists. From contemporary Jazz-Funk groove to a high flying swing, to a scat-filled romp, Dee Alexander delivers each with a style and grace that is truly her own.

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

AUGUST 9

THE THREE GRINGOS

The Three Gringos combine the flavors of Latin, Funk and Pop. These artists have performed with top names in instrumental music like Euge Groove, Richard Elliot, Brian Culbertson, Mindi Abair and more.

THE TIM FITZGERALD TRIO

AUGUST 16

THE KEN CHANEY XPERIENCE

Veteran composer, band leader and passionate jazz keyboardist Ken Chaney joins an ultra-tight band that features Duke Payne on sax, flute and bagpipes; Frank Russell on electric bass; Charles Heath playing with the passion and freshness of youth on drums and trumpeter Corey Wilkes. It’s smokin' Chicago-style jazz, flavored with a deep hint of funk.

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

AUGUST 23

THE HENRY JOHNSON ORGAN EXPRESS

Jazz guitar virtuoso and vocalist Henry Johnson has toured with many jazz legends, including the great Joe Williams. This is the real-deal Chicago straight-ahead jazz, featuring the blisterin’ organ of Chris Foreman, the bluesy sax of Peter Roothaan and the smokin’ hot drums of Greg Rockingham.

THE TIM FITZGERALD TRIO

AUGUST 30

DETOUR JAZFUNK

Detour JazFunk is the sound of Chicago’s new urban jazz scene. Their music is built on a foundation of old school R&B’s soulful and funky grooves, blended with the melodic improvisations of classic and contemporary jazz. Detour JazFunk brings together the eclectic guitar and vocal stylings of Phil Seed with the show-stopping drumming and vocals of Ben “Jammin’ ” Johnson, the deep grooving funky electric bass of Kenery Kent Smith and the dynamic keyboard wizardry of Tim Gant. Detour is bringing JazFunk straight into the 21^st century.

THE JARRARD HARRIS BAND

Shedd Aquarium is supported by the people of Chicago and the State of Illinois.

Shedd Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums