The SFJAZZ Collective’s March 14th appearance at Symphony Center represents something more than just a concert by a great traveling band. While a number of local venues have tried gamely to fill the void left by the shuttering, more than a year ago, of Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase, plenty of touring jazz stars have begun bypassing Chicago altogether. Until the Showcase gets back up and running in its new South Loop digs sometime this spring, this performance—focusing on the music of Wayne Shorter—likely represents Chicagoans’ only chance to see luminaries such as tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano and vibraphonist Stefon Harris (pictured above) in person. The powerhouse West Coast outfit—also featuring innovative trumpeter Dave Douglas and highflying alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón—manages to maneuver and swing like a true ensemble, not an ill-fitting collection of all-stars.

Photograph: Courtesty of SFJAZZ