Andy's Jazz Club, located several blocks north of the Chicago Loop, was founded as "Andy's 11 E. Lounge" in 1951 by Andy Rizzuto. A group of investors, including Scott Chisolm, who would become its long-time proprietor, bought the property in 1975, changing its name to "Andy's". [1] [2] The club is one of the city's most popular jazz venues. [3]
In 1977 jazz promoters Penny Tyler, once president of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, [2] and John Defauw began producing midday jazz sessions at Andy's, which was later expanded to include performances later in the day with sets at 5pm and 9pm. The 5pm performance - known as "Jazz at Five" - has since become a Chicago tradition. [4] Tyler booked talent for the club until the 1990s and he first Chicago Jazz Fest was planned on the premises. [2]
Performers at the club have included Larry Coryell, Franz Jackson, Von Freeman, and Joey DeFrancesco. [5] [6] [7]
