Despite some encouraging developments in recent years, quality jazz in Chicago’s western suburbs still tends to be more the exception than the rule, which makes the ambitious Hot Jazz, Six Cool Nites such a welcome standout on the area’s modest calendar (as well as an under-the-radar find for city dwellers exhausted by sweaty music fests). Each summer, the Chicago-based vocalist Janice Borla (above) programs and heads up this mini-series in conjunction with her prestigious vocal jazz camp at North Central College. Borla works her magic nightly with a stellar backing ensemble and welcomes topflight guests including the veteran avant-garde vocalist Jay Clayton and sublime singer and educator Judy Niemack. Just think of it as theantipalooza.
July 18, 19, 21-24 at 8. $14-$17 per concert. Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S Ellsworth St, Naperville. 630-637-5620.