Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling is getting through a COVID-19 shutdown of music venues by livestreaming his soaring renditions of jazz classics at the renowned Chicago jazz haunt The Green Mill.

“It’s been a pleasure to sing; it’s been a pleasure to pay my musicians a fraction of what they’re worth, but at least it’s something,” Elling said.

Elling said he’s played the storied venue so much, he’s able to imagine a live audience during his virtual performances.

“The ghosts are available all the time — and, frankly, there are five cameras looking at me, so I can play to them,” Elling said. 

After living in New York City for several years, Elling recently returned to his hometown of Chicago to be closer with family amid the pandemic.

Elling will livestream a New Year’s Eve concert at The Green Mill starting at 11 p.m. Thursday.