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Chicago, Illinois

Umbrella Music

Various venues

Click here for schedule

Since its inception, Umbrella Music has played an integral part in Chicago’s incredibly fertile jazz and improvised music community. It was formed in 2006 by a collective of musicians dedicated to presenting new and compelling music from the Chicago area and worldwide, and promoting the city as an international hub for creative music.

The organization presents nearly 200 events annually at its affiliate venues throughout the Chicago area, which include Hungry Brain, The Hideout, and Elastic Arts Foundation. Each November, Umbrella Music presents its annual festival in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Center; the festival always opens with the European Jazz Meets Chicago event, which collaborates with six to ten European consulates and cultural organizations to bring performers from each participating nation.

The group has received acclaim from publications such as the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader, and received support from the Boeing Company. Umbrella was also awarded the Illinois Arts Council Governor’s International Grant in order to send several Chicago-based or -affiliated musicians to perform in Serbia and Croatia.

Umbrella Music Information

  • Public Transportation: Varies by venue
  • Handicapped Accessibility: Varies by venue
  • Performances/Programs: Approximately 170 events annually
  • Ticket Prices: Vary (free-$15) depending on event and venue. Admission to some events is by suggested donation.