By happenstance I was having an after-hours cocktail with a few friends after-work. During our conversation, one of them mentioned going to the jazz festival afterwards. I wasn’t aware of any activities on Friday night. After dinner, we walked over to State Street heading west on Van Buren. We could all hear the music before we turned the corner. The Second Annual Smooth Jazz Festival was undergoing and voilinst Micheal Ward was playing when we got there. I was so impressed with Michael’s playing and his band that told my friends that I was going home to grab my camera.

Within an hour I was back in time to catch Corey Wilkes. Corey and his band were hot!!! I have to admit, I’ve never heard of Corey Wilkes before hearing him tonight.  His playing was electrifying. His hour long set was full of entertainment. Corey shared his performance with some remarkable players and entertainers. Wilkes offered the spotlight to a soulful singer named Yaw (pronouced Ya-oo) and three beautiful dancers that closed the show with Corey with their improvisational African dance. 

The Chicago’s Smooth Jazz Festival will continue until Sunday night. I plan on returning Saturday night to hear guitarist Stanley Jordan at 8:30 p.m.

An entertained crowd enjoys the Second Annual Chicago Smooth Jazz Festival.

Corey Wilkes plays center stage at the 2nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival.

Guitarist performs solo on stage with Corey Wilkes.

Saxophonist Jabari Liu for Corey Wilkes plays a solo for the crowd.

Keyboardist William Kurk raises his hat at the Smooth Jazz Fest. 

Corey Wilkes and Friends at the 2008  Chicago Smooth Jazz Festival.

 Corey Wilkes performs a solo for the 2008 Smooth Jazz Fest. 

Soulful Yaw sings on stage with Corey Wilkes. 

Chicago Soul Singer Yaw performs with Corey Wilkes.

Soul singer Yaw singing at the Smooth Jazz Fest.

Corey Wilkes and saxophonist Kevin Nabors play for crowd.

Saxophonist  Kevin Nabors solos for the crowd. 

Dancer performs on stage with Corey Wilkes.

African dancer performing on stage with Corey Wilkes. 

Dancing onstage to the music of Corey Wilkes.

Corey Wilkes playing intensely for the crowd.

A couple dances near the front stage at the Chicago Smooth Jazz Festival.