Jacksonville Jazz Festival Celebrates 40 years Friday through Sunday along the Riverfront

Jacksonville — The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will celebrate 40 years at the Riverfront Plaza with free performances by award-winning artists Friday through Sunday along the Riverfront Plaza.

Produced by the City of Jacksonville’s Division of Sports and Entertainment, the musical event will also include a jazz marketplace, a jazz parade, a jazz jam - presented by HOT 99.5 - and a jazz clinic. Budding musicians are asked to bring their instruments to participate in seminars to learn directly from the artists.

“The Jazz Jam, presented by Hot 99.5, is an opportunity for musicians to bring their instruments and jam together,” said Paola Lorenzo Media Specialist for the City of Jacksonville’s Division of Sports and Entertainment. “The Second Line Jazz parade is another opportunity to parade through the the footprint of the festival.”

The Festival’s Sacred Jazz Brunch will host Camille Thurman & the Darrell Green Quartet.

The Swingin’ Stage and the Groovin’ Stage at Ford on Bay will highlight the likes of Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Najee, Phil Perry, Bobby Lyle, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band, and Stanley Clarke. Honoring women in music, the event will also showcase Sheila E., Cécile McLorin Salvant, Tia Fuller: “Diamond Cut”, Kandace Springs and Party in a Box: Allana.

The non-stop entertainment is a rich tradition of gathering talents for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to Jacksonville. And the event won’t stop with just music.

“Saturday night will wrap up with an incredible fireworks display high above the St. Johns River following Sheila E.’s performance,” said Lorenzo.

According to The City of Jacksonville’s Division of Sports and Entertainment, the musical jamboree “creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerates the Jacksonville brand and improves the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents.”

“The positive economic impact is huge,” continued Lorenzo. “Not only for the city, but for the local restauraunts and local businesses surrounding downtown and the urban core.”

Festival hours begin Friday, October 1, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, October 2, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, October 3, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Although the weekend is free, attendees can purchase upgraded premium visitor experiences. The cash-less, rain or shine event will have dedicated secured entry points. Bags will be checked. Masks are not required but “encouraged for the safety of everyone.”

And leave your American Express at home.

“Music is a universal language that brings so many people together,” concluded Lorenzo. “So we’re inviting the whole city to come out and enjoy the festivities.”

For updates and information, please visit jacksonvillejazzfest.com .

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