Chicago Jazz Radio: Station Guide

Calloway, Charles, Coltrane, Carter, Coleman, and More

Along with New Orleans and Saint Louis, Chicago is one of the jazz capitals of the United States. While no substitute exists for Chicago’s legendary jazz clubs, there are several radio stations in the Chicago area that feature significant jazz programs in their lineups - so you can listen when a smoky piano bar isn’t convenient. Whether you want to hear fledgling local artists, tried-but-true standards, experimental jazz, or just interviews and commentary, you can open your ears to these Chicago jazz radio stations. With hundreds of hours of jazz programming available each week, this station guide for Chicago jazz radio will help you find a groove at home, work, school, or in the car.

Station #1. Chicago Public Radio
91.5 FM WBEZ
www.wbez.org  

If you want to hear jazz in any city, public radio is usually a safe bet, and Chicago is no different. Hosts
Dan Bindert, Richard Steele, and Sarah Toulouse play jazz on the overnight during the week. Hours vary, but the grooves typically start after 8:00pm. Diverse in genre, the jazz spun by these hosts is like a sampler, but they do delve into artists and themes on a monthly spotlight rotation. Embracing their Chicago jazz radio location, WBEZ also features local jazz artists in their playlists.

On Sunday afternoons, the Jazz with Dick Buckley program, broadcast on Chicago Public Radio since 1977, boasts rare records and clever commentary. And of course, because WBEZ is an NPR affiliate, it features the syndicated Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz show. Calling itself the “perfect balance between historical perspective and sheer entertainment,” the program centers on its host’s collaboration with and interviews of her guests. Details are available at http://www.npr.org/programs/pianojazz/.

Station #2. Northwestern University Radio
89.3 FM WNUR
Jazz Subsite: http://jazz.wnur.org/