SunSpots: Jazzin' at the Shedd!

 

When It's Hot, Chill at the Shedd!

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com 

Until recently, I believe it had been several years since I had ventured out to Jazzin' at the Shedd and I wondered how it may have changed.  When I heard that Detour JazFunk was opening this year's season, I knew I had to be there!

(This image, below, is a video link - so, click it!)

Detour was outstanding, as per their usual.  Comprised of Phil Seed (Guitar and Lead Vocals), Kenery Kent Smith (Bass Guitar), Ben "Jammin'" Johnson (Drums & Lead/Background Vocals) and a keyboardist (usually Tim Gant), Detour is cohesive and smoking'!!!  They performed a perfect mix of jazz, R&B and neo-soul!  Joined by Carla Prather and Andrea Love, the music was HOT!  A better opening act couldn't have been chosen. 

Opening night was no exception to our recent run of hot weather - it was easily 95-100 degrees!  However, the canopy provided just enough protection to make the weather not only bearable, but pleasant.  There are several seating areas available - the main covered terrace, an uncovered terrace (for the true sun-lovers) and an indoor air-conditioned area (for the folks who probably should have just stayed home!)  However, this To-Do is popular and fills quickly and people love to hold seats for 15 of their closest friends :=|, so it's best to arrive early!  Onsite ticket sales do not begin until 5pm, so I suggest purchasing tickets through Groupon (if available), or buying a Shedd season membership for $80 (for you and a guest, valid for general museum admission as well).

The crowd at Jazzin' at the Shedd varies so widely in age that anyone would be comfortable - including children and seniors.  Some people stick around for the music after enjoying a day at the aquarium, but most people come specifically for the music.  I'm sure the racial demographic varies slightly according to the musical performer, but on opening night, people of color were in the majority.  Although this To-Do is crowded, it is not unbearably so and you can easily mingle!  Enjoy cocktails, soft drinks and ample food - all reasonably priced.

Other things to be aware of:

• No re-entry


• No outside food or drinks


• No outside chairs


• Parking is NOT close (so what shoes are you going to wear?)

Other than a larger crowd, Jazzin' at the Shedd is largely unchanged previous years - it's a fabulous way to enjoy a summer, music-filled evening!  Nothing beats the views of the lakefront and the beautiful people!  Jazzin' at the Shedd continues on Wednesdays through September 5, 2012.  Admission is $18 for adults and $16 for children.  (See Detour JazFunk again on Wednesday, July 18th and Wednesday, August 29th.)  View the entire schedule!

View More Photos!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Tressa Epps and Stephanie S. Green[/caption]