There are several popular vocal jazz groups. One of the very popular groups, which varied their styles over the years, but remained mostly in jazz is Manhattan Transfer. New York Voices is also a popular vocal jazz group.
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Columbia City Jazz Dance Company, and Savage Jazz Dance Company are all good places to start! Good Luck!
Jerry Sloan enjoyed a fairly successful career as a player with the Chicago Bulls. He then coached the Bulls before becoming the head coach of the Utah Jazz in 1987.
Many jazz songs have lyrics. Famous jazz singers like Sara Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald had long careers as singers. However, most jazz groups don't have a singer, so the melody is played by an instrument.
The earliest forms of jazz started in New Orleans. But the modern day jazz that you know began when they closed down storyville in New Orleans and people moved to Kansas City, and Chicago.