A: The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is a resident company at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Ticket sales for this venue are handled by the Harris Theater Box Office (312-334-7777). Occasionally we perform at other venues such as Symphony Center, Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and the DuSable Museum of African-American History. This webpage will provide details on purchasing tickets (where necessary) at these locations.
Q: Is there a discount if I buy a season subscription?
A: Absolutely - we offer the very best discounts to our full-season subscribers in addition to some other pretty cool perks. We also offer mini-subscriptions for two shows of your choice.
Q: Is there a ticket discount for seniors and groups?
A: Yes, we offer a 10% discount to seniors. For info on group sales discounts, please e-mail us.
Q: Is there a student ticket rate?
A: Yes, all full-time students with a valid ID are eligible for $5 tickets and $15 season subscriptions. You must call the Harris Theater Box Office for these tickets: 312-334-7777.
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Q: Where do I find parking for your concerts and what is the rate?
A: For performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the nearest parking is in the Millennium Park Garage. The Harris Theatre box office validates parking for concert ticket holders - more information here. For parking information for events at other locations, please check the venue's website.
Q: Is the Harris Theater handicap accessible?
A: If you are parking in the Millennium Park Garage, handicap accessible parking is available on Level 2 North of the garage with easy elevator access to the Harris Theater’s Orchestra lobby. Elevators at each level of the Theater provide access to all lobbies, and seating in the Orchestra, Lower Balcony, and Upper Balcony. To accommodate your seat selection, wheelchair accessible seating as well as swing arm aisle seating is available on all levels of the theater. If you have questions about special seating needs, please contact the Harris Theater Box Office in advance of the performance at 312-334-7777 and they will be happy to assist you.
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Q: Do Columbia College Chicago students perform with the CJE?
A: Yes, one of the CJE’s most celebrated student opportunities is our student performance program during the Winter and Spring terms. For each of the CJE performances, we invite an exceptional student or student group from the Music Department to perform with the Ensemble. This opportunity is a very unique honor for students to gain experience in a professional setting, often with some of the greatest jazz musicians of the 21st century.
Q: Does the CJE offer internship and volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes, we do! Learn more about our internship and volunteer programs.
Q: I teach in the Chicago Public School System and have heard a lot about your Louis Armstrong Legacy Program. Who can I talk to about getting my students involved?
A: Please contact Director of Education Darius Hampton at 312-369-6199 to learn more about opportunities for participation in our signature educational outreach program.
Q: Can I borrow or rent music from the CJE library?
A: As some of the charts in the CJE music library are one of a kind manuscript, it is not our policy to lend out items from our library. Only current Chicago Jazz Ensemble personnel and Columbia College Chicago faculty may borrow music or other materials from the library.
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Q: I’m a professional musician. How can I play with the CJE?
A: We thank you for your interest. The CJE Music Director is responsible for hiring and securing personnel for the ensemble, which is composed of members who are steadily and consistently available members of our organization (many for years). Personnel for the ensemble is not hired on a concert-by-concert basis, but rather with regard to the musical needs for the season and, with few exceptions, personnel remains consistent from season to season.
Q: Are CJE rehearsals open to the public?
A: Invitations for CJE rehearsal attendance is one of the benefits of being a season subscriber. Otherwise attendance may sometimes be arranged by contacting Darius Hampton.
Q: Does the Chicago Jazz Ensemble have a CD?
A: The CJE does not currently have a CD, but we hope to work on a recording in the near future.
Q: Am I able to meet the special guest artists, do they have CDs for sale, and will they be signing them?
A: Many of our guest artists have CDs for sale during or after the first and second sets and are available for CD signings and greetings after performances. An announcement will be made from the stage during the concert concerning the details for that particular performance.
