Join thousands of jazz fans from around the globe at this year’s Memorial Day weekend summer kick-off in downtown Nashville Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26. The Music City Jazz Festival is more than an outdoor concert, it’s an event. The third 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 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. It’s more of a reunion and celebration of friends, family, culture, music and life.
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 a “Music City.” Nashville has also become a hub for pop, rock, jazz, bluegrass, country, Americana, classical, contemporary Christian, blues, and soul music.
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. Gates open at 4pm on Friday, May 25th, and gates open at 10am on Saturday, May 26th. Friday’s schedule is as follows: 5:00 Happy Hour featuring Dee Lucas, with special guest U-Nam; 5:50 Euge Groove; 7:10 Maysa; 8:25 MCJF All-Stars featuring Nick Colionnne, Steve Cole & Brian Simpson with special guest Peabo Bryson. Saturday’s schedule is as follows: Noon Doc Powell; 1:15 Family Affair featuring Kim Waters & Kayla Waters; 2:35 Hiroshima; 3:50 Damien Escobar; 5:20 Rachelle Ferrell; and 7:00 Boney James.
For more details and to get tickets, phone (205) 705-3131, or go to their website or the WFSK website. Two- Day Preferred Reserved Seats are $135 (premium seating right behind VIP/Gold Seat Sections, which are already sold out). Two- Day General Admission is $95 — first come, first served seating right behind Reserved Seat Sections. A FRIDAY ONLY General Admission Pass is $70 and a SATURDAY ONLY General Admission Pass is $85. Please Note: These seats will not be covered, so bring a hat and sunscreen, maybe even a raincoat; it did rain last year, and the show did go on.
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.
NOTE: In the interest of enhancing existing security measures at their festivals, Summerset Jazz LLC. has implemented a new security policy regulating the size and type of bag that may be carried in. Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside, however, the following outlines bags that are permitted: Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″; One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar); and Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ (approximately the size of a hand). An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: all sizes of coolers, purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags / cases; camera bags / cases; binocular bags / cases or any bag larger than the permissible size. Fans will continue to be able to carry items allowed into the stadium in a permissible clear bag, such as binoculars and cameras.
