NEW Thursday Jazz Jam Session at Sabor a Cafe in Niles featuring Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Quintet!

The soul of live jazz is making a long-awaited return to Niles. Starting Thursday, August 7th, the Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Quintet will launch a new weekly Jazz Jam Session at Sabor a Café Steakhouse, 6873 N Milwaukee Avenue, in Niles. The building is just south of the Chambers, a legendary supper club that hosted a weekly jazz jam session, among other performances for over 3 decades!

This new series promises to rekindle the spirit of that storied scene, offering musicians a welcoming space to collaborate and improvise, and giving jazz lovers a front-row seat to the spontaneous artistry that only a live jam can offer.

Sessions will begin at 7pm every Thursday, and both seasoned performers and up-and-coming players are encouraged to bring their instruments and join the band on stage.

Leading the session are two respected members of the Chicago-area jazz community Shelley Yoelin and Gabriel Datcu. Yoelin a respected veteran saxophonist, composer, and educator whose career spans over five decades. He has performed with a diverse array of artists, from jazz luminaries to symphonic orchestras, and is widely respected for his warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians.

Datcu, a Chicago-based guitarist originally from Romania, blends classic jazz vocabulary with modern improvisational instincts. Known for his sophisticated harmonic sense and melodic clarity, Datcu has performed with many of the city’s top players and is an in-demand collaborator across genres.

“This is about rebuilding community,” said Yoelin. “For many years, the jam at Chambers brought musicians and audiences together every week — it was part of the fabric of Chicago’s jazz community. We’re thrilled to bring that spirit back, now at Sabor a Café.”

Elio Erraez, owner of Sabor a Café, shares that enthusiasm:

“I’ve always believed music is vital to the human experience.  It brings people together. Jazz has deep roots in Chicago, and we’re excited to revive this tradition. Our stage is open, our kitchen is ready, and we welcome everyone to come be part of something special.”

Sabor a Café, known for its authentic South American cuisine and warm ambiance, is no stranger to live music, regularly presenting a diverse array of local, national, and international artists. With this new weekly event, the restaurant expands its commitment to supporting the arts while offering guests a unique blend of cultural flavor and artistic excellence.

Admission is free, and food and drink will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Event Details:

What: Weekly Jazz Jam Session

When: Thursdays, starting August 7, 2025, 7 – 10PM

Where: Sabor a Café Steakhouse