Jazz Fest 2026 - The Art of the Song
Jeanne Franks with Mark Burnell + Stacy McMichael
Close out Jazz Fest 2026 in style with our signature Jazz Sunday Brunch at Commune + Market, featuring the elegant vocals of Jeanne Franks, joined by acclaimed pianist Mark Burnell and bassist Joshua Ramos for a soulful afternoon of jazz, brunch, and celebration.
A celebrated Chicago jazz vocalist and longtime on-air host of “DCB Jazz” on WDCB 90.9 FM, Jeanne Franks has spent decades immersed in the city’s vibrant jazz community. A Chicago native, Jeanne began studying piano at age five and later expanded into flute and voice, building a musical foundation that has carried her through an impressive and diverse performance career. For over twenty years, she was a soprano and featured soloist with the renowned Wooten Choral Ensemble, performing spirituals, gospel, and contemporary works at venues including the Cadillac Theater, Symphony Center, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Her solo jazz performances have taken her from Chicago to Paris, captivating audiences with her warmth, sophistication, and rich storytelling through song.
Joining Jeanne is Mark Burnell, a pianist, vocalist, and arranger praised by the Chicago Tribune as “silky smooth and highly polished.” A veteran of the Chicago jazz scene, Burnell has performed with jazz luminaries including Dave Frishberg, Richie Cole, Louie Bellson, and Connie Francis, while also teaching at Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, and Carnegie Mellon University. His refined style and inventive arrangements make him one of Chicago’s most sought-after jazz pianists.
On bass, Joshua Ramos brings his rich groove, versatility, and world-class experience to the stage. A Chicago native raised in a deeply musical family, Ramos has built an impressive international career spanning jazz, Latin jazz, funk, and contemporary music. He has performed around the world and shared stages with artists such as Jimmy Bosch, Dave Valentin, Victor Garcia, and Liquid Soul, opening for acts like Stevie Wonder and Spyro Gyra.
Together, this exceptional trio will deliver a sophisticated set of jazz standards, soulful interpretations, and timeless favorites—the perfect soundtrack for a leisurely Sunday afternoon.
Guests will enjoy a full brunch buffet and two drink tickets included in the ticket price, with a cash bar available throughout the event.
There’s no better way to close out a weekend of world-class jazz than with great music, delicious food, and community. Join us for the final notes of Jazz Fest 2026 and celebrate the spirit of jazz in true Harbor Country style.
Producer: Heidi Smith