Chris Parsons is a Chicago based guitarist, arranger, bandleader and educator. Initially drawn to rock and blues early in his musical journey, Parsons fell in love with jazz while in high school. He went on to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies from Elmhurst College, where he performed in the renowned Elmhurst College Jazz Band, under the direction of Doug Beach. While in the band, Parsons had the opportunity to perform with jazz luminaries Bill Holman, Michael Abene, Bobby Shew, Wayne Bergeron, Mark Colby, Patrick Williams, Denis DiBlasio, Michael Davis, Warren Luening, Bill Watrous, Dennis Mackrel, Byron Stripling, Simone, Tom Scott, Ndugu Chancler, among others.

Upon graduation, Parsons found his footing in Chicago’s diverse music scene. In 2011, he joined the Heisenberg Uncertainty Players and has appeared on 5 albums with the group. In 2012, he began working for the production house, BeatMix Music, where he currently serves as the Music Department Supervisor and performs with the band, Time Chicago.

In 2016, he joined up with longtime friend and drummer, Joel Baer to start the Blueshift Big Band. Blueshift's focus has been on performing music exclusively written and arranged by Chicago area composers and arrangers. To date, the band has commissioned over 150 original arrangements and released four LPs & numerous singles. The band maintains monthy residencies at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago and Robert’s Westside in Forest Park. Never one to slow down, Blueshift currently has four more albums in the works, all at various stages of development. Be on the lookout for more music in 2026 and 2027.

In 2022, Parsons was named Director of the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival. Since taking the over as Director, the Festival has brought in such artists as the WDR Big Band, Dave Stryker, The Anat Cohen Tentet, The Steve Kovalcheck Trio featuring Jeff Hamilton and John Hamar, Anthony Wilson, and Sharel Cassity. The High School Invitational, sponsored by an ongoing donation from Fred Gretsch, has tripled in size. Parsons and his staff look forward to celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Festival in 2027.

2026 will be highlighted by the the debut of Parsons' new project, The Chris Parsons Nonet. This group will not only see Parsons step out as the sole band leader, but also as the composer and arranger for the group. Stay tuned for news on upcoming performances and an EP release.