Although there’s no shortage of jazz performances in the Chicago area, jazz tap-dance events are a bit rarer.
That’s all the more reason to anticipate two appearances by one of the most ebullient jazz tappers in the city, Sarah Petronio.
At 9:30 p.m. Nov. 27, Petronio will perform at the Bop Shop, 1807 W. Division St. (312-235-3232). She’ll be backed by drummer Jerry Steinhiber, trombonist John Watson and bassist Marlene Rosenberg. During particular numbers, she’ll be joined by guest artist Leela Petronio, a fellow dancer (and Sarah’s daughter).
At 8 p.m. Dec. 11, the elder Petronio will appear at the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway (312-878-5552), where she’ll be assisted by drummer Joel Spencer, pianist John Young and bassist Michael Arnapol.
For those who never have seen Petronio in action, have no doubt that her work genuinely constitutes jazz. The rhythms she articulates, the way she embellishes and improvises upon the work of her rhythm section falls easily within the acoustic jazz tradition.
And for those who are familiar with Petronio’s act, it’s worth noting that she is one of many dancers featured in “Footprints: A Tap Dancer’s World,” an exquisite new picture book photographed and published by her husband, graphic designer Peter Petronio. The book (at $20) will be on sale at both dates and also is available by mail order; send a check for $22 (which includes postage) to: Footprints, 640 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago, Ill. 60614.
– The fine jazz singer Sheila Jordan makes her annual visit to the Green Mill this weekend, with performances Friday and Saturday. Also coming up at the Green Mill: Rick Hollander Quartet, Tuesday; Ellington Dynasty, Nov. 27; phone 312-878-5552.
– Although Yako’s has been in business for a few weeks now, the new club marks its official opening Thursday with a band called BD, featuring Bob Davis and Billy Dickens. Yako’s is at 1330 N. Halsted St.; phone 312-642-7706.
– Trumpeter Piotr Bal, one of the best young talents in the city, will perform Wednesday at the Chambers Restaurant, 6881 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles; phone 708-647-8282.
– The fifth anniversary performance of Chick Singer Night, which has become something of an institution at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, will begin at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. As its title implies, the monthly Chick Singer Night features women vocalists performing a wide range of repertoire. The Hilton and Towers is 720 S. Michigan Ave.; phone 312-922-4400.
– Marshall Vente and his Tropicale band will play Sunday at the College of Lake County Arts Center, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake; phone 708-223-6601.
– Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are spending most of this week in the Chicago area, with upcoming engagements Thursday at FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn; and Friday at the Jazz Oasis, 343 W. Erie St.
– Musical experimenter John Zorn will appear with his Masada quartet Saturday at Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport Ave. The event is presented by the JAM/Goodman New Music series; phone 312-559-1212.
– Guitarists Ernie Denov and Fareed Haque will perform Friday at the Bop