Saturday, July 12
Downtown Glen Ellyn Jazz Up Music Festival. Curated by Artistic Director Fareed Haque, this year's festival features Rising Stars & Legends! This is the premiere jazz festival of DuPage County, bringing an evening line-up of the best jazz in the Midwest by collaborating with local partners such as The Bellas Artes School of Music, The College of DuPage and 90.9 FM, WDCB THE Home of Chicago Jazz.
Schedule:
*This is a FREE event. No outside alcohol to be brought in, as restaurants and wine shops will be serving. Event map and parking info below. Chairs are allowed in as early as 1pm. See additional information below.
The DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble with special guest trumpeter Leon Q. Allen
4:00 - 4:50 PM
Bellas Artes
5:00 - 5:20 PM
5:30 - 6:20 PM
Bellas Artes
6:30 - 6:50 PM
THADDEUS TUKES with special guest Julia Danielle
7:00 - 7:50 PM
Bellas Artes
8:00 - 8:20 PM
8:30 - 9:20 PM
4:00 - 4:50 PM
The DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble performs programs throughout the academic year as well as numerous off‐campus performances. The ensemble has accompanied guest artists such as Melissa Aldana, Vincent Herring, Carl Allen, Wycliffe Gordon, Ignacio Berroa, Carl Allen, Dee Alexander, Fareed Haque, Jens Lindemann, Victor Garcia, and Mark Colby, is a frequent presence at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, has performed at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, and in 2004 was recognized by the United States House of Representatives for its work on behalf of the Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund. Its repertoire spans more than a century of large jazz ensemble compositions, including original work from members of the ensemble. .
4:00 - 4:50
Allen has over 15+ years' experience performing in multiples genres of music globally, which include Jazz, Urban, Latin, Inspirational, and international forms in Live and Recorded environments.
5:00 - 5:20 PM
5:30 - 6:20 PM
Lenard Simpson is a saxophonist, composer and educator. Simpson was awarded outstanding soloist at the New York City Mingus Jazz Competition. Lenard’s trio has appeared at premier clubs and jazz festivals throughout the United States playing with such artist as Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, and Clayton Cameron. In addition to maintaining an active performing schedule, Lenard remains active as a bandleader, composer and educator in the music community. "Lenard is quickly becoming known as one of the most important saxophonists of this generation. He will undoubtedly continue to change the landscape of music with his presence and incredible sound." - Kiefer
6:30 - 6:50 PM
Accepting entries until May 31, 2025,
winners to be announced early June.
7:00 - 7:50 PM
Named a 2024 Downbeat Magazine "Rising Star", composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes is one of the most dynamic musicians in America! Presented as the "World's Best Vibraphonist" by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, his virtuosity and creativity "brings poetry to the vibraphone" (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Symphony Center Chicago, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. As one of "Chicago's Hidden Gem's" (CBS, 2023), Thaddeus honors the legacy of the jazz tradition and beyond.
7:00 - 7:50 PM
Julia Danielle is a dynamic vocalist, arranger, educator, and composer making her mark in the vibrant jazz scenes of Chicago and New York. A 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition winner, Julia earned widespread acclaim performing alongside the Tierney Sutton Band at Washington D.C.'s renowned Blues Alley Jazz Club, where she has since headlined her own shows. Her debut album, Julia Danielle, released in November 2024, garnered praise as "a fresh voice" with a "a folksy wisp that floats with a bohemian glide" (Jazz Weekly).
8:00 - 8:20 PM
Accepting entries until May 31, 2025,
winners to be announced early June.
8:30-9:20 PM
Ari Brown belongs in Chicago’s canon of great tenor saxophonists.
He hasn’t often sought the spotlight, but his blend of bebop rigor and avant-garde daring puts him on par with Fred Anderson and Von Freeman. Brown played piano in mostly soul and blues bands until 1965. In 1971, he joined AACM and made jazz his primary focus. Brown played sax on a few albums by group called the Awakening. The Chicagoan also kept busy during the 1980s, recording with Lester Bowie before being hired by Von Freeman, Bobby Watson, and Anthony Braxton (who hired him for his Charlie Parker Project). It was in 1989 that Brown began his lucrative membership in Kahil El'Zabar's Ritual Trio. But as long a resumé as Brown had as a sideman, he didn't record as a leader until 1995, when he provided the diverse Ultimate Frontier for Delmark.
Curated by Artistic Director Fareed Haque, Fareed is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. Haque has toured and recorded with Joe Zawinul, Billy Cobham, Dave Holland, Paquito D’Rivera, Sting, Zakir Hussain, Bob James, Joe Henderson and many others, in addition to co-leading groups with Tony Monaco, Paul Wertico, Goran Ivanovic, Garaj Mahal, and The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra. Haque has released numerous albums as a leader, in jazz, classical, world music and fusion styles, and is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards including Best World Guitarist, Guitar Player Magazine 2009, 2004 Acoustic Album of the Year, 2007 Independent Music Award, and Best New World Music Group in Chicago Reader Poll 2020.
As WDCB’s Radio Station Manager, Dan Bindert oversees the station’s programming and operations. His passion for jazz, blues and our local music scene is expressed through his support of WDCB’s music hosts as they produce programs that provide musical depth along with insightful commentary for our listeners. A veteran radio broadcaster with more than 35 years of experience behind the mic, Dan ushered in a new era for WDCB when he began leading the station in 2013. He expanded the flagship 'DCB Jazz programming and added new locally produced music shows, while also prioritizing live on-location music broadcasts that present our excellent Chicago musicians in action at clubs, festivals and other local venues.
Map & Details: Jazz Up Music Festival
Location The concert is on a beautiful Main Street in Downtown Glen Ellyn between Crescent Ave & Pennsylvania Blvd. There are many restaurants offering amazing meals and drink options.
Parking Jazz Up is 1 block away and the Glen Ellyn Metra Stop is across the street. Free parking is available in several Metra Lots and two parking garages. For help planning your visit click HERE
Chairs are able to be set up by 1:00 pm. We recommend bringing chairs. Some like to set up for a day of picnicking. Music will start immediately at 4pm. There will be an exciting entrance at 4pm you won't want to miss!
No Outside Alcohol. No outside alcohol will be allowed inside the festival area. Restaurants and bars will be serving drinks and providing wristbands to consume on the streets. Consuming alcohol will require a free wristband provided at no cost from the restaurant.
Outside food is available to be brought into the festival area. Please consider ordering carryout from our downtown businesses. Visit our dining directory.
For the Tenth year, The Downtown Glen Ellyn Jazz Up Music Festival is returning to Main Street Glen Ellyn. Jazz Up is the premiere jazz festival of DuPage County bringing a full day of the best jazz in the Midwest along with including Master Classes providing collaborating with the local area. Your sponsorship dollars are needed to help continue FREE programing to our communities.
Jazz-Sponsorship.2025 (pdf)
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