Jazz Thaw
March 14 @ 1:00 pm - March 15 @ 2:00 pm
2026 Jazz Thaw Schedule
Sip, sizzle, and swing during Jazz Thaw!
Shake off the cold weather blues by enjoying FREE live jazz music at establishments throughout the Downtown Oak Park district!
Presented by Downtown Oak Park in partnership with 90.9 WDCB “Chicago’s Home for Jazz!”
Saturday, March 14
1PM – 4PM
Q-BBQ
124 N Marion St
(708) 628-3421
www.q-bbq.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Derek Duleba Organ Trio
The Derek Duleba Organ Trio features acclaimed guitarist Derek Duleba, a Juilliard-trained jazz artist and educator whose performances bridge modern and traditional jazz styles. Backed by organ and drums, the trio delivers a dynamic, groove-rich sound that honors the classic organ trio tradition while pushing creative boundaries. Duleba’s work in Chicago clubs and festivals showcases his versatile approach and deep connection to organ-driven jazz.
Beer Shop
1026 North Blvd
(847) 946-4164
www.beershophq.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Sam Robinson Quintet
The Sam Robinson Quintet offers bold, forward-thinking jazz, mainly from the hard-bop/post-bop era. The band also performs original compositions in a similar style.
Wise Cup
1018 Lake St
(708) 628-3707
facebook.com/wisecup
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Stephen Kuhn
Chicago-based guitar Stephen Kuhn is known for his tasteful interpretations of jazz standards and his relaxed, swinging style. A versatile performer, Kuhn brings a warm, melodic approach to the guitar, creating an inviting atmosphere well-suited for intimate venues and attentive listeners.
ENCORE! by Little Gem Café
187 N Marion St
(708) 613-5491
encorelittlegem.com
Reservations are required.
SWING33
SWING33 delivers high-energy jazz rooted in swing traditions, blending classic repertoire with a lively, modern feel. Based in the Chicago area, the group is known for engaging performances that channel the joy and momentum of early jazz while keeping things fresh and accessible.
Vigo Coffee
1100 Lake St Ste 100B
vigo-coffee.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Mario Dueñas
Chicago-based guitarist, pianist, and composer Mario Dueñas brings a richly expressive blend of jazz harmony and improvisation to every performance. Born in Ecuador and now rooted in the Chicago area, Performing today as a solo guitarist, Dueñas will play a mix of jazz standards, original compositions, and inventive interplay. His music reflects deep harmonic understanding and soulful rhythmic drive, making him a favorite at local clubs and private events throughout the Midwest.
Fare
1000 Lake St
foodbyfare.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Stacy McMichael Duo
Stacy McMichael is one of the premier bassists in Chicago today.
Equally proficient on upright bass and electric bass, Stacy performs comfortably within a broad range of genres and styles. As an active professional bassist, Ms. McMichael has played with hundreds of artists in countless settings.
3PM to 6PM
Nando’s PERi-PERi
1138 Lake St
(708) 434-6296
www.nandosperiperi.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Marcel Bonfim Trio
Born and raised in Brazil, Marcel Bonfim is a culturally diverse and critically acclaimed musician. Between studying Brazilian popular music in his country and earning a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from DePaul University in Chicago, he combines the best of these two worlds.
Sushi House
1107 Lake St
(708) 660-8899
www.mysushihouse.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Maddie Vogler Trio
The Maddie Vogler Trio is a Chicago-based jazz ensemble led by saxophonist Maddie Vogler. Known for soulful improvisation and vibrant performances, the trio blends jazz tradition with modern energy for a dynamic and engaging live experience.
Sugar Fixe
119 N Marion St
(708) 948-7720
https://www.sugarfixe.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Terry Bartolotta Duo
The Terry Bartolotta Duo features Chicago jazz guitarist Terry Bartolotta, a seasoned performer, composer, and educator active in the city’s jazz scene since 2006. A graduate of Northern Illinois University and DePaul University, Bartolotta has performed with renowned jazz artists and regularly appears at iconic venues like Andy’s Jazz Club and the Green Mill. The duo delivers an intimate blend of jazz standards and original compositions with warmth, swing, and refined musicianship.
Comedy Plex Comedy Club
1128 Lake St Lower Level
(708) 665-7539
https://www.comedyplex.com/
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Matt Shevitz Trio
Matt Shevitz is a Chicago-based saxophonist performing across the jazz, blues, and popular music scenes. He performs in a dynamic duo and has appeared at major events including the Chicago Jazz Festival, as well as venues like the Jazz Showcase and House of Blues Chicago.
Tre Sorelle
1111 Lake St
(708) 445-9700
tresorelleoakpark.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Abigail Riccards Duo
Vocalist Abigail Riccards is known for her clear tone and thoughtful phrasing, offering fresh takes on jazz standards and classic songbook favorites. Based in Chicago, Riccards’ duo performances create an intimate setting that highlights storytelling and musical nuance.
5PM to 8PM
Q-BBQ
124 N Marion St
(708) 628-3421
www.q-bbq.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Jack Macklin Trio
Guitarist and bandleader Jack Macklin leads his trio through groove-forward jazz rooted in strong rhythmic foundations. A fixture in the Chicago jazz scene, Macklin’s projects emphasize tight ensemble playing and dynamic improvisation.
Beer Shop
1026 North Blvd
(847) 946-4164
www.beershophq.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Paul Abella Trio
This trio performs a fusion of pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and Funk rhythms, and jammy improvisations with punk ferocity.
The Paul Abella Trio was recently referred to as “earthy jazz funk.”
Watch the trio play here.
Katy’s Dumplings
1113 Lake St
(708) 383-9888
www.katysdumplings.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
A duo that plays melodic and rhythmic classical jazz sounds.
Smoothie King
1016 Lake St.
(708) 972-1016
SmoothieKing.com
Arman Sangalang Trio
The Arman Sangalang Trio showcases saxophonist Arman Sangalang’s dynamic approach to rhythm and ensemble interaction. Based in Chicago, the trio blends modern jazz sensibilities with strong grooves and expressive improvisation, creating energetic and engaging performances.
7PM to 10PM
Tre Sorelle
1111 Lake St
(708) 445-9700
tresorelleoakpark.com
*Seating is first come, first serve.
Lara Driscoll & Chris Madsen
Pianist Lara Driscoll and saxophonist Chris Madsen perform as a duo rooted in classic jazz repertoire with a contemporary touch. Both active in the Chicago music community, their performances highlight lyrical storytelling, subtle interplay, and a relaxed, intimate sound.
Nando’s PERi-PERi
1138 Lake St
(708) 434-6296
www.nandosperiperi.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Luciano Antonio Trio
The Luciano Antonio Trio is led by Brazilian (now based in Chicago) guitarist and vocalist Luciano Antonio. The trio explores straight-ahead jazz with modern influences, emphasizing strong ensemble chemistry and rhythmic depth.
Sushi House
1107 Lake St
(708) 660-8899
www.mysushihouse.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Elisha Organ Trio
The Elisha Organ Trio delivers a soulful, groove-driven sound rooted in the classic jazz organ tradition. Based in Chicago, the trio blends blues, swing, and modern jazz influences, creating high-energy performances that honor the legacy of organ-led jazz.
ENCORE! by Little Gem Café
187 N Marion St
(708) 613-5491
Reservations are required.
RETURN2SOUL
RETURN2SOUL brings a high-energy blend of jazz, soul, funk, and R&B to the stage, rooted in deep grooves and expressive improvisation. Based in the Chicago area, the group is known for dynamic live performances that keep audiences engaged and moving.
Khyber Pass
1031 Lake St
(708) 445-9032
khyberpassrestaurant.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Alex Beltran Duo
Saxophonist Alex Beltran is an active member of Chicago’s jazz scene, known for his fluid improvisation and stylistic versatility. Performing as a duo, Beltran blends jazz standards with modern influences, creating performances that are both relaxed and rhythmically compelling.
10PM to Midnight
Comedy Plex Comedy Club
1128 Lake St Lower Level
(708) 665-7539
https://www.comedyplex.com/
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Chris Greene Quartet
Saxophonist Chris Greene is a nationally recognized Chicago jazz artist whose work bridges straight-ahead jazz, soul, and contemporary influences. Leading his quartet, Greene delivers powerful, groove-forward performances marked by technical excellence and deep musicality.
Jazz Brunch
Sunday, March 15
11AM to 2PM
Breakfast House
138 N Marion St
(708) 665-3952
breakfasthousechicago.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Erik Skov Duo
Chicago guitarist Erik Skov brings a thoughtful, groove-oriented approach to jazz performance. His duo sets feature a mix of classic standards and contemporary influences, emphasizing feel, interaction, and accessible swing.
Little Gem Café
187 N Marion St
(708) 613-5491
encorelittlegem.com
Reservations are required.
SWING33
SWING33 returns for Sunday with their signature high-energy swing sound, blending classic jazz repertoire with a lively modern edge. A favorite throughout the Chicago area, the group’s performances channel joy, movement, and the infectious spirit of swing.
Lea French Cafe
106 N Marion St
(708) 613-5994
leafrenchcafe.com
*Seating is first-come, first-served.
Tom Vaitsis Duo
Guitarist Tom Vaitsis is a Chicago-based jazz musician known for his melodic phrasing and refined approach to standards. Performing as a duo, Vaitsis creates an intimate sound that highlights musical conversation and expressive improvisation.
