Chicago Shows Off in September!

September in Chicago is a beautiful time. Summer is unofficially over, but there is a lot of lovely weather left to enjoy. This month, the gentle breeze and mellow vibe of early autumn will lure you outside; as you will see, the fun is far from over! Let us show you this month’s must-hit Highlights.

Beautiful Music: Jazz in Chicago The word “jazz” was first used in Chicago; the city has been known for this genre of music for generations, and continues to be a destination for jazz enthusiasts everywhere. This month there are several places to hear some great jazz. Come check them out; you won’t be disappointed!

Get a true jazz fix at the 31st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, held from September 4th through 6th in Grant Park. This jazz extravaganza has been around for 30 years, making it Chicago’s longest running music festival. Jazz from the local as well as international scene will be represented.

Slated to perform at this year’s Festival are many jazz greats who got their start right here in the Windy City, as well as young jazz performers from local schools who are just beginning their careers. New this year will be a composition dedicated to President Barack Obama, entitled “Spiralview” and featuring three sections; the first will be a trombone solo, the second will be a saxophone and bass duet and the third will be a solo saxophone performance.

There will be a Wine Oasis at the festival, where audience members can sample wine and food. There will also be an Art Fair, with many crafts, jewelry and other artistic wares available.

On Thursday nights, check out Cool Jazz Thursdays at the Hyatt McCormick from 7 pm-9pm every week. The evening features live music on the outdoor patio, performed by jazz musicians from Columbia College. Food and a cigar bar are also offered. This is one of the more intimate jazz venues you will find in the city; it’s a great way to unwind after work, or anytime with some good food, good company and, of course, good music.

Another great jazz event is Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz, featured on September 3rd at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Jon Faddis and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble of Columbia College Chicago will be performing a tribute to Benny Goodman, Chicago’s great “King of Swing.” Hear several classic and contemporary performances of Goodman’s music, as well as some original compositions. Young musicians from local high schools will begin the evening; also joining the concert will be clarinetist Buddy DeFranco. This will be a night to remember for those who are already familiar with Goodman’s work and those who will become fans by the end of the night!

Hear even more jazz at the Museum of Contemporary Art; they have a Tuesdays on the Terrace program that runs every Tuesday through September 22nd. Gather in the beautiful garden terrace at the MCA and listen to the music as you dine on an international dinner buffet. Or spread out on the sculpture garden lawn and enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs. Whatever your style, the MCA has the perfect evening planned for you! Performers this September are the Green Mill Quartet, Steve Hashimoto, Corey Wilkes and the World Music Festival’s Polish jazz duo, Mikrokolektyw.

Chicago from Above Chicago’s architecture is breathtaking, legendary and innovative. From the sidewalk, however, it’s often difficult to appreciate just how ground-breaking some of these skyscrapers really are. For the best view of all, you would have to fly high into the sky and look down at the buildings. Birds do this on a daily basis, but for those of us without wings, there are still ways to get up above Chicago!

Willis Tower, formerly the well-known Sears Tower, invites you to rise to the top. This Chicago icon stands at 110 stories and 1,450 feet, making it the tallest building in the United States. The observatory here, called the Skydeck, is located on the 103rd floor and gives you a view of several states, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. In addition to the stunning view, there are several exhibits about Chicago’s history, as well as interactive kiosks and powerful telescopes.

Now open at Willis Tower is the Ledge Experience; glass boxes extend over 4 feet from the Skydeck, giving you the impression of being suspended in air above the city. It is an experience like no other, and only the Skydeck has it! For children there is a Knee-High exhibit that educates kids about the city and its history, as well as a Scavenger Hunt activity.

For a romantic, inspiring view, time your visit so that you can watch the sunset from the Skydeck; this is truly a beautiful time of day to visit! The Skydeck is open everyday from 10 am to 8 pm or 10 pm, depending on the season.

Another great way to get above Chicago is by checking out The Terrace at Trump on top of Trump Tower. One of the tallest buildings in the United States, the Trump Tower is a masterpiece of impeccable taste and sophistication. On its sixteenth floor is the Terrace, a restaurant that has spectacular views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and some of the best architecture in the city. You can even see the summer fireworks on Navy Pier from here!

Executive Chef Frank Brunacci is responsible for the delicious American cuisine served at the Terrace, which includes specialties such as Peking Duck Salad, Summer Gnocchi, Prime Sirloin Burger, a scrumptious array of desserts and an extensive list of fine wines. Cozy seating as well as huge tables mean that whatever the size of your group or purpose of your visit, you will be accommodated in style.

Want to see more? Chicago Traveler has a new Willis Tower's Ledge Photos page. Here you will find several great shots from the new attraction, giving you a perspective that is truly unique. And you can view it all from the comfort of your own home!

Exclusive Willis Tower Ledge photos are provided by Chicago Photo Shop.

Eat on the Street: Dining in Chicago September in Chicago is a gorgeous time to be outside; the sun is shining and the breeze is refreshing and gentle. There is no better month to enjoy the alfresco dining options offered by dozens of Chicago’s restaurants. Sit outside and enjoy the scenery, the energy of the city and the weather. It’s an experience that will be as delicious as the food!

For an upscale dining experience, check out Carmine’s, at 1043 N. Rush Street. Sit on the patio and watch the well-dressed crowd go by; since the restaurant is located on busy Rush Street, you might even glimpse a celebrity or two! With steak, fish, burgers and pasta on the menu, as well as a wine list that complements the food well, Carmine’s serves up the right combination of food and atmosphere.

Park Grill on the Plaza, at 11 N. Michigan Avenue, is another great upscale option for dining outside. Located in Millennium Park, this is an extension of the Park Grill Restaurant. It seats 350 people, making it the city’s largest alfresco dining spot. All food is served outdoors as you gaze at your surroundings; this is an ideal spot for people watching as well as taking in the breathtaking views of the city. You can listen to live music here, as well as enjoying the free concerts that take place in Millennium Park. And don’t forget the food: Chef Bernard Laskowski cooks up food that is classically American and incredibly scrumptious!

While some restaurants are known for their upscale flavor, others are known for their incredible views. Try the NV Penthouse, at 116 W. Hubbard Street, a huge, 3,400 square foot luxury lounge in River North that affords views of the city’s skyline that are picture-perfect. The entire south wall is made of glass, and it opens onto an outdoor terrace. As lustrous as the clientele may be at this establishment, the view will definitely be the topic of the evening.

The views from Flatwater, at 321 N. Clark Street, cannot be missed either. This lounge is located right on the banks of the Chicago River, seemingly close enough to touch the water. By day, exchange enthusiastic waves with people on the boats that coast by. By night, enjoy the romance of your surroundings as lights from the buildings bounce off the water. Whenever you visit, your dining experience at Flatwater will be one to remember.

Some restaurants deliver the views; others deliver a ton of atmosphere in other ways. For the loveliest of ambience, choose Orso’s, at 1401 N. Wells Street. This is one of Old Town’s oldest restaurants, and everywhere you look, the word “charm” springs to mind. Sit in the beautiful outdoor dining area under a canopy of grapevines. Dine on authentic Italian fare. Enjoy live piano music. Orso’s truly knows the recipe for success!

Boka, at 1729 N. Halsted, also offers an ambience-filled alfresco dining experience. Just because you’re outside, this doesn’t mean things have to get casual. With beautifully set tables adorned with fresh flowers, seating for 90 and a serene vibe in the air, this establishment is the ideal place to enjoy quiet conversation under the stars. Located just steps from the Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park, dine here before or after your show. With entrees such as Rack of Lamb, Braised Veal Cheeks and Duck Breast, you know you’ve come to a place that is as serious about delivering quality food as it is about delivering a quality experience. At Boka, you get the best of everything.

Make Your Visit More Affordable! Chicago is home to countless attractions, dozens of museums and hundreds of restaurants. How do you choose? A great way to get ideas is by checking out the dozens of discount coupons and special savings that are available for attractions around the city. Chicago Traveler makes it easy to access these coupons. By seeing some of the most popular options, you will be inspired. And by seeing how much you can save with these coupons, you will be thrilled!

Here are some examples of the great savings available with these Chicago coupons:

• Attractions, such as a Buy One, Get One Free Admission to the Amazing Funhouse Maze at Navy Pier
• Dining, such as a 15% discount on your entire bill at the China Grill
• Entertainment offers include: complementary admission to the Sears Skydeck with purchase of a ticket to Blue Man Group,  2-for-1 tickets for any downtown walking tour on Mon - Thu, or 2-for-1 tickets on the Chicago Water Taxi.
• Museums, such as $2 off admission to the Chicago History Museum
• Shopping, such as an extra 15% off your purchase at Filene’s Basement

To see all available coupons, please click here.

Chicago Highlights is a monthly publication of Chicago Traveler written by Zahra Ink - Chicago Writing Services, for more issues, see the Chicago Highlights Archive.