The Music City Jazz Festival is more than an outdoor concert, it’s an event. It’s a place to people-watch, eat, drink, mingle, relax soak in the rays, and hear some of the coolest music performed by national smooth jazz recording artists. The second Music City Jazz Festival features classy veterans who have set the standard and young lions taking the jazz scene by storm, all capturing the spirit of smooth jazz that knows no boundaries in exhilarating, intimate performances. It’s more of a reunion and celebration of friends, family, culture, music and life.
“As the city’s jazz radio station for 44 years now, we are throwing the gauntlet down on making jazz music part of the Music City musical image,” says Sharon Kay, station manager of festival co-sponsor WFSK FM at Fisk University. “WFSK has worked hard to get this event to fruition with Somerset jazz from Birmingham and we would really appreciate it this year if jazz music got some love.”
From its very beginnings, Nashville grew from a foundation built on music, the common thread connecting the life and soul of the city and its people. The first around-the-world tour by a musical act was by the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Nashville’s Fisk University. Their efforts helped fund the school’s mission of educating freed slaves after the Civil War – and also put Nashville on the map as a global music center. In fact, upon playing for the Queen of England, the queen stated the Fisk Jubilee Singers must come from the “Music City.” Nashville has also become a hub for pop, rock, jazz, bluegrass, country, Americana, classical, contemporary Christian, blues, and soul music.
“This year’s festival honors the legends in our genre and we are very pleased to present an all-star line-up, ranging from the iconic Roy Ayers to contemporary jazz pioneer David Sanborn to the award-winning jazz quartet Fourplay,” says Kay. Roy Ayers, Bob James, and David Sanborn join Harvey Mason, Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, Maysa, Russ Freeman, Nathan East, Chuck Loeb, Ken Ford and many more scheduled to perform over the three-day weekend from May 25 – May 27. Bring a chair and a blanket, and plan to sit back and relax to smooth jazz performed by some of the best musicians in the world.
The Music City Jazz Festival is a Rain or Shine Event. The safety of all patrons, artist, vendors and staff is the first priority. That said, unless really severe weather presents a danger to the artist or guest, every act that can perform, will perform. There will be no refunds for inclement weather or Acts of God. It will be the discretion of local officials, governing authorities and promoters to delay, suspend or cancel a show due to the above conditions. If it’s rain only, bring a plastic poncho and enjoy the show.
For more details, daily lineups, and to get tickets, go to the website at www.musiccityjazzfest.com
