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Home , Aarhus Jazz Festival, Afrodeezia, Ambrose Akinmusire, Amy Helm, Ari Hoenig, Baloise Session

Moon Hooch, seen here at in , will play several festivals in 2018. (Photo: Oddbjørn Steffensen)

PITTSBURGH ’S HEALDSBURG FEST JAZZFEST BONN ENTERS NEW ERA RENAISSANCE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS BUILDS ON HERITAGE Page 86 Page 105 Page 111 Page 125 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 83 84 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 JOEY KENNEDY

Vibraphonist performs last year in Pittsburgh.

ittsburgh’s contributions to the jazz fir- University. out the cultural district. Later that night, jam mament stretch from seminal figures That vibe persists. At this year’s event, now sessions will be held around town. In between, Plike , and called the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival a ticketed at the August Wilson Center Earl “Fatha” Hines to modern-day luminar- (June 15–17), the bulk of the action will take for African American Culture will feature bass- ies like , Steve Nelson and Jeff “Tain” place on three outdoor stages near Liberty ist ’s quintet with Pittsburgh Watts. But as the 21st century dawned, the one- Avenue. Though the staging area will be more native Brett Williams on . time Steel City lacked a major jazz festival. spacious than last year’s location, near Penn Burley Wilson stressed that the decision to That began to change one day in 2009, when Avenue and 9th Street, about 20,000 people are charge admission—even on a limited basis, for Janis Burley Wilson, then an executive with the expected to pack the streets to hear the music— the Miller concert and a few ancillary activi- Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, met with - for free. ties— a recent nod to economic realities, er , drummer Roger Humphries The stages will offer a cross-section of cut- a move that was necessary to keep the quali- and Dwayne Dolphin for a barbecue ting-edge artists, from Cuban percussion- ty and quantity of the music at current levels. at Dolphin’s Pittsburgh-area home. Jazz advo- ist to trumpeter Ambrose “These festivals are expensive, and we don’t cates all, they cooked up a plan and two years Akinmusire and saxophonists Donny have an endowment,” she said. “We rely on later, the Pittsburgh JazzLive International McCaslin, and Miguel Zenón; foundations and corporate support.” Festival was born. pianist Emmet Cohen will continue his inter- The decision appears not to have dampened “We have a great legacy and history here,” generational association with drummer the festival’s broad appeal. An audience sur- Burley Wilson said. “It was the right time to do Tootie Heath; and singer Gregory Porter, who vey revealed that in 2017 about 20 per- it.” appeared as a relative unknown at the festi- cent of the audience came from areas out- The inaugural event in 2011 was conceived val’s first installment, will return as this year’s side Pennsylvania, primarily Ohio, Michigan along the lines of the International Jazz Sunday-night closer. and . The audience was divided evenly Festival, but on a smaller scale. “We wanted While the bulk of the action will be outside, between men and women and well distributed to make sure the festival had a certain vibe— the festival will kick off indoors on Friday with among age and income groups. energetic, easily accessible and free,” said Jones, what Burley Wilson called a “jazz crawl,” in The atmosphere is decidedly festive, but it then a professor at Pittsburgh’s Duquesne which local artists perform in spots through- has its serious side as well. Burley Wilson, the

86 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 president and CEO of the Wilson Center, plans “In some parts of the States,” he said, “they form has stretched—some things have been to schedule artist talks and master classes in the weren’t as familiar with some of the African shortened because we realized they’re not ultramodern center’s various spaces. And, as rhythms I’m using. But, of course, not in where the juice is. We’ve also added parts—if one of the few women running a major music Pittsburgh.” somebody played something one night that was festival, she said she is “committed to present- One tune from that has proved inspired, we said, ‘That’s no longer an improvi- ing diversity onstage. I’ve heard many musi- universally accessible is Miller’s powerful cover sation; that’s part of the song.’” cians—women jazz —who say they of The Temptations’ 1972 hit “Papa Was A Such surprises are built into the festival’s don’t get a chance to headline as much as they Rolling Stone.” Miller said he is certain to play DNA, Burley Wilson said: “Our goal is to try would like. I always try to present those musi- the tune at the festival, adding that audiences and curate an experience that is going to give cians who are doing great work and just happen only familiar with its treatment on Afrodeezia people an opportunity to learn about someone to be women.” will be interested in how it has matured on the new and to hear the music that is familiar to This year’s festival is set to include drum- road. them—to give them what they want and what mer and singer Polly “People will be surprised,” he said. “The they need to hear.” —Phillip Lutz Gibbons, who hails from the U.K. But it might be singer Shemekia Copeland who, at a time when women’s empowerment is at the forefront of the American consciousness, draws the most attention by virtue of both her pipes and her message. Backed by her longtime band—lead - ist Arthur Neilson, rhythm Willie Scandlyn, bassist Kevin Jenkins and drum- mer Robin Gould—Copeland will be belt- ing out tunes that address social injustice, like “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On),” and domestic violence, like “It Don’t Hurt No More.” Such tunes, she said, have been met with gratitude wherever she sings them—includ- ing at a separate music series at the Wilson Center. “I hear from women, ‘This song saved my life,’” she said. “That’s one of my reasons for performing.” Burley Wilson said that the decision to book the award-winning Copeland—who as a young girl sang at ’s Cotton Club with her father, legendary blues guitarist Johnny Copeland—was in keeping with the profile of August Wilson himself, a Pulitzer Prize- winning playwright and Pittsburgh native whose work was inspired by the blues. “Moving forward,” she said, “we’ll always have a blues presence at the jazz festival because of the connection with the August Wilson Center. Shemekia’s helping us to create that presence.” The festival has a history of regularly addressing social issues, too. Last year at the Wilson Center, trumpeter Jones presented an extended work he wrote based on James Baldwin’s incendiary The Fire Next Time. This year, bassist Miller, who has been a spokes- man for UNESCO’s Slave Route Project, said he will draw on his latest , 2015’s Afrodeezia (Blue Note), a disquisition on the slave trade that employs African, Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms. Miller, who previously has performed in Pittsburgh at both the jazz festival and at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, said that audi- ences in the city have proved a sophisticated lot, hip to what he was trying to say in pulsat- ing tunes like “B’s River” and “We Were There.”

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 87 EAST KEN WEISS

Vision Festival in New York

Exit Zero Jazz Festival Hall of Fame inductee Mary Lou Williams Cape May, (1910–’81) will be celebrated. This event will be April 20–22 held at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. The Exit Zero festival is a bi-annual event (The Kennedy Center will also present Carla in Cape May, New Jersey, the nation’s Bley on June 1 and Gregory Porter on June 27.) oldest seaside resort. Stellar musical LINEUP: , Anat Cohen Ten- lineups are presented at five venues tet, Amina Claudine Myers Trio. along the Cape May beachfront. kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/MSWIL LINEUP: Bria Skonberg, , , Brian Betz–Denis DiBlasio Quartet, New York Guitar Festival Kali Rodriguez Pena, Baylor Project, Dara Tucker, High & Mighty , others. May (Dates TBA) exit0jazzfest.com Exploring virtually every aspect of the guitar’s personality, this festival, which was founded Center City Jazz Festival in 1999, has presented many of the world’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania most influential at , April 28 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National The seventh edition of this festival will Sawdust, (Le) Poisson Rouge, Brookfield Place present as part of Philadelphia Winter Garden and the 92nd Street Y. From Jazz Appreciation Month. Attendees can Grammy winners to emerging artists, festival expect a jam-packed schedule of more performers have come from all genres: classi- than 20 bands performing at several ven- cal, jazz, blues, pop, indie rock, folk and world ues, all within walking distance of each music, as well as genre-defying innovators. other in the heart of Center City. One ticket In addition to producing eclectic, multi-genre provides access to all performances. concerts and radio broadcasts, the festival’s LINEUP: Trio (featuring Justin Guitar Harvest recording series supports inno- Faulkner & Alex Claffy), Marcus Strickland, Arturo vative outreach programs in public schools. Stable, Sharel Cassity, V. Shayne Frederick, Nicole LINEUP: TBA. Last year’s performers included Ju- Sapphos, Danny Janklow, Leon Jordan Jr., Yesseh lian Lage, Marc Ribot, Lee Ranaldo, Trixie Whitley. Furaha-Ali, Ken Foswer, Lena Seikaly, others. newyorkguitarfestival.org ccjazzfest.com City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage Celebrate Mary Lou Williams New York City Washington, D.C. May 17–Oct. 7 May 5 SummerStage, a program of City Parks For the 23rd year, the legacy of pianist, com- Foundation, is New York’s largest free outdoor poser, educator, humanitarian and DownBeat performing arts festival. Annually, the event

88 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 NEIL GRABOWSKY FOR JAZZ HOUSE KIDS

Montclair Jazz Festival in New Jersey presents more than 100 performances in 18 parks is the venue for this Memorial Day festival, throughout the five boroughs. Since its inception which is now in its fifth year. (The event is 33 years ago, more than six million people from produced by Johnny Souza, through the around the world have enjoyed SummerStage. generous sponsorship of Eastern Bank.) LINEUP: See website. Past performers LINEUP: Donna Byrne & The Marshall Wood include , Trio, Stan Strickland Quartet, Alexei Tsiganov Experiment, Vince Giordano & The Night- Group, Rhythm Future Quartet, Suede. hawks, , Mulatu spirecenter.org/events Astatke, Roy Ayers with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, , Kid Cudi. Delaney Chevrolet summerstage.org Westsylvania Jazz & Vision Festival Blues Festival Indiana, Pennsylvania , New York May 26 May 23–28 The fifth edition of this takes The Vision Festival presents legendary and place in IRMC Park. The event has featured emerging stars of boundless improvised nationally and internationally known musi- music. Now in its 23rd year, this multi-arts cians, regional acts and student musicians festival returns to Roulette in Brooklyn. playing in a classic American small town. Opening night celebrates Dave Burrell for his Lifetime of Achievement, featuring the LINEUP: See website. Past performers include pianist in performance with musical asso- Laura Ferguson & The Jazz Trip Trio, Seventh ciates spanning his 50-plus-year career. Street Stompers, Nevin Saylor Big Band, Reggie Watkins & The Steeltown Horns. LINEUP: Dave Burrell, , , Nicole Mitchell, Kris Davis, westsylvaniajazzandblues.org , Chris Potter, David Virelles, Jaimie Branch’s Fly or Die, Oliver Lake Big Capital Jazz Fest Band, Matthew Shipp Acoustic Ensem- Columbia, Maryland ble, ’s Code Girl, Roscoe June 1–3 Mitchell, Nasheet Waits Equality, Andrew The 26th edition of this festival will take Cyrille, Fay Victor, Hamid Drake, others. place at Merriweather Post Pavilion and artsforart.org/vf23 will feature more than 25 national jazz and soul acts on two big stages. Plymouth Rock Jazz Fest LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists Plymouth, Massachusetts included , Marcus Miller, May 25–27 Chris Botti, Sheila E, Anthony Hamilton. Plymouth’s Spire Center for Performing Arts capitaljazz.com/fest/2018

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 89 COURTESY PROVINCETOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Nicki Parrott at Provincetown Jazz Festival

0LFKDHO$UQRQHőV&UDZŵVK)HVW Augusta, New Jersey June 1–3 For 29 years, native Michael Arnone has been bringing the best of music and food to the rural and scenic farmlands of New Jersey. With three stages hosting 23 bands, free dance lessons and an extensive menu to chose from, the event offers a wide array of entertainment. LINEUP: Taj Mahal, Jon Cleary Trio, Samantha Fish, George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners, Tab Benoit, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, others. FUDZƓVKIHVWFRP

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Burlington, Vermont June 1–10 Begun as a grassroots event 35 years ago, this festival is now a 10-day celebration welcoming more than 70,000 people to events across the city. The festival’s mission is to broaden awareness and appreciation of jazz through live performances, illuminate the art form, educate, and create a city-wide community festival. LINEUP: Trio, Chucho Valdés, Leslie Odom Jr., Anat Cohen, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rhiannon Giddens, ’s Boom Tic Boom. discoverjazz.com

Blue Note Jazz Festival New York City June 1–30 The Blue Note Jazz Festival features more than 150 shows at multiple venues around New York City during a monthlong celebration of

90 DOWNBEAT MAY 2017 COURTESY HUDSON VALLEY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Hudson Valley Jazz Festival

the genre, featuring some of the biggest more during Father’s Day weekend—all in names on the scene today. Put on by the the beautiful Western Massachusetts town owners of the Blue Note , the festival of Lee, the “Gateway to the Berkshires.” celebrates its seventh anniversary in 2018. LINEUP: Frank Vignola Trio, Jeff LINEUP: The Bad Plus, Keyon Harrold & Friends, Holmes Big Band, others. McCoy Tyner, Paquito D’Rivera Ensemble, EHUNVKLUHJDWHZD\MD]]RUJ Jason Stein, , Pablo Ziegler Trio, Chano Domingues Trio, Sergio Mendes, Pittsburgh International Average White Band, Sarah McKenzie, others. bluenotejazzfestival.com Jazz Festival Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 15–17 DC Jazz Festival Nearly 20,000 people are expected to pack Washington, D.C. the streets for this festival’s free concerts. June 8–17 The fest will also offer an artist bazaar, a This festival will present a wide array of vintage vinyl boutique, food trucks, a craft renowned and resident artists in more than beer garden, a bar crawl and jam sessions. 40 venues throughout the capital city. LINEUP: Marcus Miller, Kenny Garrett, Greg- There will be more than 125 free and tick- ory Porter, Ambrose Akinmusire, Pedrito eted concerts and Meet the Artists events, Martinez, Donny McCaslin, Terry Lyne including the DC JazzFest at The Wharf, Carrington & Social Science, Miguel Ze- which will feature four main stages. nón, Polly Gibbons, Cory Henry & The LINEUP: aTunde Adjuah, Chucho Apostles, Emmet Cohen Trio with Tootie Valdés & , , Heath, Shemeika Copeland, Yoko Suzuki. Leslie Odom Jr., R+R=Now (Robert Glasper, SLWWVEXUJKMD]]IHVWRUJ Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, , Taylor McFerrin, Derrick Hodge), Ivan Lins, , , , DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Oliver Lake Big Band, Wilmington, Delaware & The E-Collective, , Terri June 17–24 Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Lyne Carrington’s Feed The Fire: Celebrating this nationally renowned, free festival Geri Allen, , Edmar Castane- draws more than 25,000 residents and da & Gregoire Maret, Fabrizio Bosso, Jihye visitors from across the country. Lee Orchestra, Patricia Barber, Kris Funn & Cornerstone, Esther Williams & Davey LINEUP: See website. Past performers in- Yarborough, DC JazzPrix Finalists, more. clude Marcus Miller, Hiromi, Rufus Reid. dcjazzfest.org cliffordbrownjazzfest.com

Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend Xerox Rochester International Lee, Massachusetts Jazz Festival June 14–17 Rochester, New York This event features headline concerts, al June 22–30 fresco jazz, food vendors, a jazz brunch and One of the nation’s premier jazz festivals, this event offers multiple genres of cre- Benjamin & SoulSquad, Alfredo Rodriguez & ative improvised music. Founded in 2002 Pedrito Martinez Duo, Keyon Harrold, Jazzmeia and drawing more than 200,000 mu- Horn, New Orleans @ 300, Evan Christo- sic lovers annually, the festival presents pher, Trio, with hundreds of artists at ticketed and free The Dap-Kings, TEN (Terri Lyne Carrington, shows at 18 indoor and outdoor venues. , Nicholas Payton), Scott LINEUP: Tower of Power, Quintet, Sharrard & the Brickyard Band, Deva Mahal, Joey Alexander Trio, Nicholas Payton, The Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Jazz Passengers, Bad Plus, Moon Hooch, Melissa Aldana, Mark Whitfield//, Matt Wilson’s Honey & Salt, ’ Sammy Miller & The Congregation. Beloved, Brubeck Brothers, Alfredo Rodri- spac.org guez & Pedrito Martinez, GoGo Penguin, Duchess, Seal, , Béla Fleck & The Belleayre Flecktones, Alison Krauss, Lake Street Dive, Highmount, New York Jill Scott, Bill Goodwin Trio, Geoffrey Keezer July–September (Dates TBA) Trio, Joe Locke Group, Jean-Michel Pilc/ Founded in 1992, this festival offers a François Moutin /Ari Hoenig, Vintage Trou- series of concerts between the Fourth of ble, Junior Brown, Jack Broadbent, more. July and Labor Day. It is presented by the URFKHVWHUMD]]FRP not-for-profit Belleayre Conservatory. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s art- Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival ists included Pedrito Martinez, Ricky Saratoga Springs, New York Gordon Sextet, Nancy Kamen. June 23–24 belleayremusic.org One of the longest-running jazz festivals in North America, this event presents an Briggs Farm Blues Festival extraordinary lineup of legends and emerg- Nescopeck, Pennsylvania ing trailblazers. Beloved by audiences for its July 5–8 spectacular programming and woodland Since 1998, The Briggs family has hosted one setting, the festival features two stages, a of the nation’s most revered blues festivals crafts fair, Southern barbecue and much more. on its 250-year-old farm in northeast Penn- LINEUP: Chris Botti, , José sylvania. Food includes farm-fresh roasted James, Joey Alexander, Anat Cohen Ten- corn and a full array of slow-smoked meats. tet, Gregory Porter, Mavis Staples, Lakecia LINEUP: Samantha Fish, Amy Helm, Selwyn

92 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 ELIANA ROWE

The Robert Glasper Experiement at SummerStage in New York

Birchwood, Mike Farris & The Roseland artistic director at the helm, is one Rhythm Review, JJ Thames & The Vio- of New York’s longest-running jazz festivals. let Revolt, Vanessa Collier, The Nation- It features the world’s greatest jazz musicians al Reserve, Swamp Candy, others. in unique, once-in-a-lifetime performances. briggsfarm.com LINEUP: , Bill Charlap, Melissa Aldana, Dick Hyman, Aaron Diehl, Central PA Jazz Festival Person, Mary Stallings, , , Harrisburg, Mt. Gretna & Hummelstown, Pennsylvania Melba Joyce, Ken Peplowski, René Marie, July 5–8 Mike LeDonne, Eddie Allen, Rodney Jones. The 38th edition of this festival, which is pro- 92y.org/jazzinjuly duced by the Central PA Friends of Jazz, offers a riverboat cruise, a jazz party, concerts in the Caramoor Jazz Festival Gretna Playhouse, master classes, jam sessions Katonah, New York and the annual picnic at Indian Echo Caverns. July 21 LINEUP: Last year’s artists included Delfeayo Now in its fourth year and presented in Marsalis, River City Big Band, Joshua Break- collaboration with Jazz at , this stone, Dwayne Dolphin, New World Parade. festival offers exceptional talent and music to friendsofjazz.org enjoy throughout the stunning gardens and historical venues within Caramoor. A full day North Atlantic Blues Festival of jazz, interactive activities for the kids and Rockland, Maine an evening headliner are all part of the fun. July 14–15 LINEUP: , , One of Maine’s premier festivals features Reginald Veal, Terreon Gully, Peter Mar- top-notch blues in a placid setting over- tin, Benny Green Trio (featuring Veronica looking the picturesque Rockland Harbor. Swift) Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Shenel Located 80 miles north of Portland, the Johns & Vuyo Satashe, Ulysses Owens Jr., event has been booking regional and Leonardo Sandoval & Eduardo Belo, Paul national talent for the past 15 years. Nedzela Quartet, Patrick Bartley Presents the LINEUP: , Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Bob- Mighty , Mariel Bildsten by Rush, Tab Benoit, Wee Willie Walker & Septet, Joel Ross & Immanuel Wilkins. The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, Lurrie caramoor.org/events/jazz-festival-2018 Bell, Mud Morganfield, Slam Allen, Va- nessa Collier, Kat Riggins, Monster Mike /LWFKŵHOG-D]])HVWLYDO Welch & Mike Ledbetter, Ilana Katz Katz. Goshen, Connecticut QRUWKDWODQWLFEOXHVIHVWLYDOFRP July 28–29 Nestled in the picturesque Berkshire foothills, 92Y Jazz In July this festival has presented the titans of jazz New York City since 1996. The event offers two full days of July 17–26 cutting-edge music on its Main and Stu- The 34th annual 92Y Jazz in July festival, with dent Stages, with artist talks, arts and crafts

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 93 Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. LINEUP: Charles Lloyd with Sangam (Zakir Hus- sain & ), Charles Lloyd New Quartet

PETER PARTS (, Reuben Rogers & Eric Harland), Charles Lloyd & Friends (Lucinda Williams, Jason Moran, Marvin Sewell, Stuart Mathis, Reuben Rogers & Eric Harland), Ambrose Akin- musire, Gregory Porter, Still Dreaming (, Ron Miles, & ), Roy Hargrove, , Rudresh Mahan- thappa Indo-Pak Coalition, Mary Halvorson’s Code Girl, R+R=Now (Robert Glasper, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Terrace Martin, Taylor McFerrin, Derrick Hodge), Organ Trio, (with Antonio Sanchez, & ), Jon Batiste, , Artemis (Cécile McLorin Salvant, Renee Rosnes, Anat Cohen, Me- lissa Aldana, Ingrid Jensen, Noriko Ueda & Allison Miller), , José James, Nate Smith & Kinfolk, Jazzmeia Horn, Mat- Catherine Russell at the Xerox Rochester thew Shipp Trio, , GoGo Penguin, International Jazz Festival in New York state BadBadNotGood, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Alicia Olatuja, George Clinton, Living Colour, more. exhibits, food and fun for the whole family. newportjazz.org LINEUP: Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Orrin Newport, Rhode Island Evans, Emmet Cohen Trio with , Aug. 3–5 Rockport Jazz Festival Yoko Miwa Trio, Trio Da Paz, Dan Brubeck Since 1954, the legendary Newport Jazz Rockport, Massachusetts & Friends’ Tribute to Dave & Iola Brubeck, Festival (now presented by Natixis Investment Aug. 4–12 Jeff “Tain” Watts Trio, Kris Allen Trio, Doug Managers) has served as the template for mu- The seventh edition of this festival features Munro & Le Pompe Attack featuring the sic festivals all over the world. Held at Rhode world-class jazz artists performing in the Matthew Westerby Company Dancers. Island’s Narragansett Bay, the festival will intimate, seaside Shalin Liu Performance OLWFKƓHOGMD]]IHVWFRP feature more than 60 acts at State Center. Hailed by as

94 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 “beautiful to the eye, as well as the ear,” the hall offers jazz in an incomparable setting. LINEUP: , , Monty Alex- ander, Grace Kelly, Harold López-Nussa. rockportmusic.org

Hudson Valley Jazz Festival Hudson Valley, New York Aug. 9–12 This year marks the ninth edition of this event. This festival distinguishes it- ©JACK VARTOOGIAN_FRONTROWPHOTOS self with a focus on musicians in New York’s Hudson Valley area. The series of shows take place in varied settings. LINEUP: See website. Past performers in- clude , The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, , Mark Egan, Don Braden, Adam Nussbaum. KXGVRQYDOOH\MD]]IHVWRUJ

Provincetown Jazz Festival Charenée Wade at Jazz Festival in New York Cape Cod, Massachusetts Aug. 9 & Aug. 13 Since 2005, this festival has been held in the Tim Ray, Daryl Sherman, John Lock- event in the region—located just 13 miles oldest continuously operated art colony in wood, Mark Walker, Bruce Abbott, Fred outside New York City. The festival is held the . The nonprofit festival is Boyle, Ron Ormsby, Bart Weisman. in Nishuane Park and produced by artistic planning to donate a portion of the pro- provincetownjazzfestival.org director (and Grammy winner) Christian ceeds to worthy causes. Musicians from the McBride, and the music education non- United States, Canada, , United King- Montclair Jazz Festival profit organization Jazz House Kids. dom, , Australia, New Zealand Montclair, New Jersey LINEUP: , Oliver Lake with Trio and previously have appeared. Aug. 11 3, Christian McBride, Royal Bopsters. LINEUP: Cassandre McKinley, Myanna, This annual festival is the biggest montclairjazzfestival.org

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 95 Dan Weiss performs at the & Contemporary Music on Aug. 23, before moving into the parks near Litchfield Jazz Festival in Connecticut where Parker worked and lived: Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park on the Lower East Side (summerstage.org). LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Joshua Redman, Anat Cohen, , Tia Fuller, Lou Donaldson, Terri Lyne Carrington. FLW\SDUNVIRXQGDWLRQRUJFKDUOLHSDUNHU

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival LINDSEY VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY Norfolk, Virginia Aug. 24–25 Hampton Roads’ longest running outdoor jazz festival returns for two nights along the downtown Norfolk waterfront. On summer evenings, fans can enjoy the sounds of smooth-jazz and r&b recording artists. The festival features a variety of seating and ticket options, including the New Journal and Guide VIP Club, reserved seating, designated tent areas, festival lawn seating, fine foods and beverages, plus a fes- tival marketplace with crafts, retail items and more. LINEUP: , & Marc Antoine, Marcus Anderson, Dave Koz, Norman Brown, Adam Hawley. festevents.org/events/2018-season-events/ norfolkwaterfrontjazzfestival

Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts Delware Water Gap, Pennsylvania Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Sept. 7–9 New York City Four decades ago, jazz fans in the Poconos decided to throw a jazz Aug. 23–26 party. Now, that event has become a three-day extravaganza, held rain This festival, now in its 26th edition, is New York City’s annual salute to or shine. Many of the best names in jazz have come to Pennsylvania the legendary saxophonist, featuring veterans who remember Parker, to perform. as well as young jazz musicians who continue to shape jazz. The four- LINEUP: See website. Previous performers include , day festival will kick off with a performance at the New School for Jazz 3 Divas, Bob Dorough. cotajazz.org

Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival Boston, Massachussets Sept. 29 This festival is Boston’s biggest block party—a free, annual, out- door public concert that has delighted hundreds of thousands of music lovers over the years with its variety of jazz, Latin, blues, funk and groove performances. Also a part of the festivities are the Kids- Jam, an instrument petting zoo and an array of food vendors. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include the / Band, Lizz Wright, Jazzmeia Horn, Camille Thurman. berklee.edu/beantownjazz

Scranton Jazz Festival Scranton, Pennsylvania October (Dates TBA) This festival began in 2005 at the Hanlon’s Grove Amphitheatre at Nay Aug Park. After a major snowstorm damaged the facility in 2007, the festival’s organizers moved the event to its present home at the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton, where it has become a permanent fixture on the arts and culture scene. Programming includes jazz, blues and . LINEUP: See website. Past performers include , , Eddie Allen Jazz Quintet, Nate Birkey. scrantonjazzfestival.org

3LWWVŵHOG&LW\-D]])HVWLYDO 3LWWVŵHOG0DVVDFKXVHWWV Oct. 12–13 This year marks the 14th edition of this cultur- al event in Western Massachusetts. There will be tick- eted shows, as well as a number of free events. LINEUP: Christian McBride’s New Jawn, Veronica Swift, others. EHUNVKLUHVMD]]RUJ

96 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 97 98 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 SOUTH

Clearwater Jazz Holiday

French Quarter Festival ers are included in this year’s festivities. New Orleans, Louisiana LINEUP: Marc Broussard, , Terrance April 12–15 Simien, Sidi Touré, Street Side Jazz Band, This festival, now its 35th year, bills itself as Mike Dillon Band, Mydy Rabycad, Jupiter “the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana & Okwess, Lisa Leblanc, Sona Jobarteh, music, food and culture.” The event will Zachary Richard, Making Moves, Lost Bayou feature more than 300 acts on 23 stages Ramblers, Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, and cuisine from more than 60 of New Florent Vollant, Shauit, Niyaz, Azam Ali, Orleans’ favorite restaurants. This year, the Samantha Fish, Dominique Dupuis, The fest will include new stages, tricentennial War and Treaty, Culture, Geno Delafose & celebrations and numerous special events. French Rockin’ Boogie, Wesli, Innov Gnawa, LINEUP: Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Vishtèn, Alash, Shodekeh, Doug Kershaw, Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet, Astral Project, Steve Riley, Ladama, Curley Taylor & Jon Cleary, James Andrews, John Boutté, Don Trouble, Frigg, Lee’s Golden Dragons, Jeunes Vappie & The Creole Jazz Serenaders, Ellis Chanteurs D’Acadie, Amythyst Kiah, Socks Marsalis Quintet, Evan Christopher’s Clari- in the Frying Pan, Feufollet, Glenn David An- net Road, , Gregory Agid drews, Walter Mouton & The Scott Playboys, Quartet, Helen Gillet’s Wazozo Zorchestra, Little Blue Monday All-Stars, Grand Nathaniel & Freddie King, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Zachary The Ghosts, Tonomono, The Huval-Fuselier Richard, Cyril Neville & Swamp Funk, Brass-A- Cajun Band, Harmonouche, Brass Mimosa, Holics, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Dans L’Shed, Frenchaxe, Acadiana Youth Band, Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory, Symphony Orchestra, Casa Samba, Zydeco The Iguanas, , Walter Ragin’ Steppers, Radio Zydeco, Michael “Wolfman” Washington & The Roadmasters. Juan Nunez, Adeline et Les Amis du Teche, IUHQFKTXDUWHUIHVWRUJ Asarts Night Band, Vermilion Express, Ethan Airhart avec Deux Pour La Route and Givers. Seabreeze Jazz Festival festivalinternational.org Panama City Beach, Florida April 18–22 Jacksonville Jazz Festival This fest features and classic r&b. Jacksonville, Florida LINEUP: Spyro Gyra, , Gerald Al- May 24–27 bright, Peter White, Boney James, Jeff Lorber, Fans can enjoy concerts spread over 15 city Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Cindy Bradley, Rach- blocks downtown along the St. Johns River. elle Ferrell, Euge Groove, Kool & The Gang, The The mix of Grammy winners and rising talent Commodores, Jeffery Osborne, Peabo Bryson. makes this free event a great experience seabreezejazzfestival.com for music lovers who flock to Jacksonville over Memorial Day weekend. This event has Festival International de Louisiane been rolling along for more than 30 years. Lafayette, Louisiana LINEUP: The Bad Plus, Sextet, Jane April 25–29 Bunnett & Maqueque, Shorty & Education and community enrichment are Orleans Avenue, Sheila E, Pete Escovedo Latin at the center of Festival International de Jazz Orchesta, Champian Fulton, Chris Thomas Louisiane, a music and arts festival held Band, The 4 Korners, Lohai, Euge Groove, each year at the end of April in downtown Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Lafayette. While focused on music birthed in Noel Freidline Quintet with Maria Howell. the area, a variety of international perform- jacksonvillejazzfest.com

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 99 LEIGH WEBBER

Charles Lloyd performs at the Spoleto Festival USA in South Carolina.

Spoleto Festival USA Charleston, South Carolina May 25–June 10 Established in 1977, the Spoleto Festival USA presents leading artists in classical and popular music, jazz, dance, and theater. The 2018 season includes more than 160 events. This year’s robust Wells Fargo Jazz series will present Jon Batiste in two settings, including a collaboration with The Dap-Kings. LINEUP: Jon Batiste,The Dap-Kings, Trio, Artifacts (Nicole Mitchell, , ), Jazzmeia Horn, Chucho Valdés, Trio 3 (Reggie Workman, Oliver Lake, ) with Vijay Iyer, Craig Taborn, Ranky Tanky. spoletousa.org

Atlanta Jazz Festival , May 26–27 The Atlanta Jazz Festival, which takes place at Piedmont Park, is cele- brating its 41st anniversary as one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. The festival will feature a Tribute to Women, with female- lead jazz performances on all three stages on May 26. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s lineup included Robert Glasper, , Charles Lloyd, Pedrito Martinez and Marquis Hill. atlantafestivals.com

Jazz In June Norman, Oklahoma June 14–16 Marking its 35th anniversary, this free event returns to Norman for three days of jazz and blues. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included Dr. Lonnie Smith, Harold Lopez-Nussa, Ardent Spirits. jazzinjune.org

Eureka Springs Blues Weekend Eureka Springs, Arkansas June 14–17 This event showcases music throughout historic Eureka Springs at a variety of venues. The festival features everything from nationally renowned players like guitarist Eric Gales performing at outdoor venues to homegrown Arkansas talent in area dive bars. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included Toronzo Cannon, EG Knight, Mark Shields Duo, Scott Ellison Trio, Pinetop Renegades, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal, Cori Jay, Norman Jackson Band. eurekaspringsblues.com

W.C. Handy Music Festival Florence, Alabama July 20–29 Based in the hometown of W.C. Handy, the credited with being

100 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 the first person to write down a composition Satchmo $PHOLD,VODQG-D]])HVWLYDO and call it a blues, this festival marks its 37th New Orleans, Louisiana Fernandina Beach, Florida year with an array of events. While in town, Aug 3–5 Oct. 7–14 fans can take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Satchmo SummerFest is the premier festival Held annually in October and headed by Artis- Rosenbaum House, one of the few structures dedicated to celebrating the life, legacy and tic Director Les DeMerle, this festival promotes the architect completed in the South. music of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The world-class performers of various jazz styles, LINEUP: See website. Past performers include annual event features contemporary and including swing, , , big band, The University of Northern Alabama Jazz traditional jazz and brass bands, New Orleans Latin and contemporary. Concerts are staged Combo, Mike Dillon, The Swinging River cuisine, and seminars about the life of Arm- in venues around Amelia Island, including Jazz Band, Lillie Mae, Col. Bruce Hampton, strong and the history of New Orleans music. the historic seaport of Fernandina Beach. Tommy Womack, Latimore, Trojan Drive Jazz LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers The festival also awards a Jazz Scholarship Band, The Midnighters, Johnny Collier & The include Stephanie Jordan, Hot 8 Brass Band, yearly to an aspiring high school musician. Misbehavers, Clara Belle & The Creeps. & Jazalsa, Meschiya Lake. LINEUP: Requinte Trio (featuring Janis Sie- ZFKDQG\PXVLFIHVWLYDORUJ VDWFKPRVXPPHUIHVWRUJ gel, of Transfer), Nanny Assis & John DiMartino, Henry Johnson, El Niño & The Knights, The Dynam- ic Les DeMerle Band with Bonnie Eisele, Florida State University Jazz Ensemble. ameliaislandjazzfestival.com

Mighty Mississippi Music Festival Greenville, Mississippi Oct. 11–13 At its core, this festival is centered on the blues, which makes sense given the locale’s importance in the development of the genre. But festival planners also want to highlight the ways that the blues wound up influencing virtually every strain of popular music today. Festival attendees can camp out for the week- end and participate in late-night jam sessions. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers include St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Cedric Burnside Project, Duane Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Jarekus Singleton. PLJKW\PLVVLVVLSSLPXVLFIHVWLYDOFRP

&OHDUZDWHU-D]]+ROLGD\ Clearwater, Florida Oct. 18–21 Crowds of more than 35,000 flock to this festival for a vibrant musical lineup that includes jazz, rock, funk, fusion and more. Now in its 39th year, this expansive, festive event is a collaboration between the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, Inc., City of Clearwater, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Esperanza Spalding, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Christian McBride, Herbie Hancock, Trom- bone Shorty, , Mindi Abair, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Béla Fleck, Boney James, Brandi Carlile, Lake Street Dive. clearwaterjazz.com

Jazz for All Ages Festival Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Nov. 2–5 Bob Masteller’s Jazz for All Ages Festival is a charity event to support the preservation of jazz education in schools. Several scholarships, programs, and instruments are provided to students and schools as a result of this event. Special room rates are available. LINEUP: Joey Alexander, Christian Tamburr, Clint Holmes, Ronnie Leigh. jazzforallages.com

102 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 103 104 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 age, race, economic background, it’s the most diverse cultural event in the greater Lansing area.” Terry estimates that the free two-day fes- tival averages about 5,000 visitors each year. And a determined group of volunteers has helped with organization of the performanc-

MICHAEL PAINE PHOTOGRAPHY es. Along with clinics and workshops host- ed in surrounding buildings, past performers at the festival have included , Eric Reed and the late Mose Allison. “Last year, we expanded north, got the city to refurbish the streets and sidewalks. We have three stages and a great hosting area for the musicians to hang out,” Terry said. “And now, we have upwards of 200-plus volunteers.” The Summer Solstice festival, which is set to run June 22–23, is just a bit newer than Terry’s event, but was influenced by some- thing much older. “Al Cafagna formed the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in 1996,” said Heather Surface, the festival’s coordinator. “He was co-chair of the East Lansing Arts Commission at the time. … Al, who remains a board member, Obed Succaari’s PanaMO performs at the Lansing JazzFest. was interested in and drew inspiration from the summer solstice celebrations in .” By 2007, Cafagna and the festival worked with the City of East Lansing to create a partnership with the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and Michigan State University’s College of Music to spon- sor, market and co-produce the Summer elebrating their 24th and 22nd anni- came to fruition 11 years later. “What were Solstice Jazz Festival, naming faculty mem- versaries, respectively, the Lansing our assets? We have these cool buildings; ber and bassist Rodney Whitaker its artis- CJazzFest and East Lansing’s Summer we’re along a great river; we’re near the capi- tic director. Solstice Jazz Festival each have proven stay- tol and a big university.” Surface said that 18 performances are set ing power. This year, the festival boasts performanc- for this year’s festival, including con- “When I moved into this part of the city, es by a wealth of players exhibiting the certs with three groups affiliated with the it was a ghost town,” said Terry Terry, found- breadth of the jazz genre. Vocalist Cindy College of Music, including a Saturday per- er of the Lansing JazzFest, which runs Aug. Scott will be accompanied by guitarist Brian formance by Shadakeon. Trumpeter and 3–4. “This was originally the center of Seeger and Latin sounds will be offered by vocalist Benny Benack will headline Friday Lansing, along the river; it had the highest Aguanko, with the wide-ranging Elden Kelly night alongside the Lansing Symphony Big concentration of historic commercial build- Group and trumpeter John Douglas also set Band. Also scheduled to perform at this ings. Everything was boarded up.” to make appearances. year’s festival are Ritmo and Deon Yates, Terry, who also is president of the “We like to mix it up: big band, straighta- among others. Artists who previously have Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art, head, a little Latin,” Terry said. “And, instead performed at the Summer Solstice Festival the organization that produces Michigan of commissions, we ask musicians to perform include , Cyrille Aimée and BluesFest, sees his Lansing event as a success something they’ve written that they’ve never Jeff Hamilton. story. performed anywhere else. And, because we Surface said that due to construction, the “I moved down here, bought a building, are always on the first Friday and Saturday of festival, which averages about 10,000 attend- lived upstairs and fixed it up,” he said. “There August, people can plan ahead.” ees each year, will be moved three blocks were a lot of artists hanging around. Now, we The festival founder perceives the event, down from its usual in the heart of East have a bunch of galleries and artists that’ve as well as the burgeoning arts scene, as poten- Lansing’s business district. The free Summer transformed the area.” tial catalysts for community development. Solstice Jazz Festival features two stages and A part of that transformation was Terry’s “Over the years, we’ve had amazing per- runs with the support of about 40 volunteers idea to bring music to that part of the city. formances from multiple stages that get peo- each year. “I started thinking, ‘Why don’t we do a ple up and moving, socializing and enjoy- “The first two festivals went all night, little jazz festival?’ So, we got a permit to ing this unique historic environment,” Terry starting at 9 p.m. and lasting until dawn,” close down the street and formed a nonprof- said. “After one of the first festivals, some- Surface said. “Since then, it’s been a two- it,” Terry said about a concept he had back in one came in and bought a building. The festi- day festival scheduled around the summer 1984. The first installment of the jazz festival val created that sense of urgency. In terms of solstice.” —John Ephland

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School Band, Nebraska Brass Band, Adam Swanson, Key of Steam, The GMBS Big Band.

LEN KATZ glennmiller.org/festival-2

Chicago Blues Festival , June 8–10 The largest free blues festival in the world will present its 35th annual edition this year. Headliners will perform in Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion. On opening night, the festival will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of and the independent label’s founder, Bob Koester. (Festival fans also should note that the City of Chicago will present a House Music Festival on May 26, and a Gospel Music Festival on June 1–2.) LINEUP: Mavis Staples, Corey Dennison Band, Mississippi Heat with and Giles Corey, Selwyn Birchwood, Willie Clayton, Fantastic Negrito, Kenny Neal, and Steve Bell, Jimmy Johnson and Dave Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington Specter, Billy Branch, , will perform at the 2018 Detroit Jazz Festival. Corky Siegel, Rick Estrin, Sugar Blue. FKLFDJREOXHVIHVWLYDOXV Wichita Jazz Festival LINEUP: , Bobby Sanabria. Wichita, Kansas eauclairejazz.com Twin Cities Jazz Festival April 1–8 Saint Paul, Minnesota The 47th annual edition of this festival will June 21–23 Ravinia Festival Now in its 20th year, the Twin Cities Jazz include world-famous artists, as well as educa- HIghland Park, Illinois tional events and a screening of the docu- Festival is a free, family-friendly event attract- June–September ing more than 40,000 attendees. Festival mentary film Bill Frisell: A Portrait. The WSU One of the oldest outdoor music festivals in events are held in and around beautiful Jazz Invitational features top high school and the United States, the Ravinia Festival is held Mears Park in the heart of downtown Saint college bands in a daylong juried competition. each year in Highland Park, north of Chicago. Paul’s historic Lowertown neighborhood. LINEUP: Eric Alexander/ Quar- has a long history of performing tet, Ben Allison, Brad Leali, Katie Thiroux, at this outdoor venue, which has lawn seats LINEUP: Tia Fuller, , others. Mark Foley, PALO!, Delano Jazz Orchestra. as well as an area of covered, reserved seats. twincitiesjazzfestival.com ZLFKLWDMD]]IHVWLYDOFRP LINEUP: Trombone Shorty, with Damien Escobar and , Buddy Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Guy and Jonny Lang, , Preservation East Lansing, Michigan 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band, Walter June 22–23 Kansas City, Missouri “Wolfman” Washington, Cyril Neville, Kermit This festival salutes jazz as one of America’s April 19–21 Ruffins, Tony Bennett, Lara Downes and Theo truly original art forms with a spate of 18 per- Presented as collaborative effort between the Bleckmann, Seal, Jill Scott, Lindsey Stirling, formances during a two-day celebration of the Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley Audra McDonald, Angelique Kidjo, Femi genre. In addition to regionally and nationally and the American Jazz Museum, this festival Kuti, Steve Martin and Martin Short with the recognized performers, the festival includes offers middle school, high school and college Steep Canyon Rangers, Michael Feinstein youth and community education events. students a chance to learn from established and Kristin Chenoweth, Earth Wind & Fire, LINEUP: Shadakeon, Benny Benack, The Lansing musicians through clinics and evening perfor- Gipsy Kings, Johnny Rivers, . Symphony Big Band, Ritmo and Deon Yates. mances. Tours of the museum also are offered. ravinia.org eljazzfest.com LINEUP: See website. mcckc.edu/programs/music Jazz Festival Elkhart Jazz Festival penn-valley/jazz-festival June 7–10 Elkhart, Indiana Clarinda, Iowa June 22–24 Eau Claire Jazz Festival The birthplace of Glenn Miller hosts a Since 1988, jazz legends and fans have gath- Eau Claire, series of events dedicated to - ered each summer for a memorable weekend April 20–21 leader’s music and legacy. Performers at the Elkhart Jazz Festival. Combining warm, With its re-creation of New York’s famed from around the world will be on-hand for intimate, small-town hospitality with the 52nd Street, the Eau Claire Jazz Festi- concerts hosted at Clarinda High School, excitement of big city jazz, the Elkhart Jazz val works to craft a setting befitting the as well as other venues across the city. Festival has become an internationally ac- hundreds of middle, high school and col- LINEUP: Glenn Miller Orchestra, Canadian claimed event with more than 100 performers lege students who attend the event. Brass, Bill Baker’s Big Band, Tamana Girls High LINEUP: See website. Last year’s perform-

106 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 ers included Ramsey Lewis, Ben Folds, Terence Blanchard. HONKDUWMD]]IHVWLYDOFRP

7UL&-D]])HVW&OHYHODQG Cleveland, Ohio June 28–30 The 39th annual edition of this beloved festival will take place at Playhouse Square. This year features 13 acts made up of jazz icons with decades of hits, artists at the pinnacle of their craft and emerg- ing talent just beginning to etch their names in the industry. LINEUP: Snarky Puppy, José James, Leslie Odom Jr., Dee Dee Bridge- water, Joshua Redman, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terence Blanchard, Grace Kelly, Common, Vinicius Cantuar- ia, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Brian Simpson’s Smooth Jazz All Stars. tri-cjazzfest.com

Iowa City Jazz Festival Iowa City, Iowa June 29–July 1 This free festival has become one of the premier music events for bringing world-class talent to Iowa City. The festival features music on four stages, many food vendors and a dra- matic, extensive fireworks display. LINEUP: Still Dreaming (Joshua Redman, Ron Miles, Scott Colley, Brian Blade), Jane Ira Bloom Quartet, Matt Wilson’s Honey & Salt, René Marie and Experiment in Truth, Quartet, Braxton Cook’s Quintet, Hot Tamale Louie, Amanda Monaco Quartet, Behn Gillece Quartet, Steve Kenney’s Group 47, United Jazz Ensemble, North Corridor Jazz All-Stars. VXPPHURIWKHDUWVRUJ

Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Davenport, Iowa July 6–7 Hosted by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, this festival aims to instill an appreciation of the blues tradition in a new generation of music aficionados with programs like BlueSKool. Held at LeClaire Park along the Mississippi River, the festival offers a relaxed atmosphere with acoustic and electric strains of the blues. LINEUP: Walter Trout, Jonny Lang, others. mvbs.org

Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival St. Paul, Minnesota July 20–21 The oldest blues festival in the Twin Cities, the Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival pulls in acts like the Average White Band to perform alongside regional and local talent. Founded in 2003, the festival initially was held in Minneapolis before relocating to Mears Park in 2013. LINEUP: Ohio Players, Free and Easy, High & Mighty, Scottie Miller Band, Crow, Toronzo Cannon, Chubby Carrier, Marcia Ball. lowertownbluesfestival.com

Sioux Falls JazzFest Sioux Falls, South Dakota July 20–21 This free, annual festival features more than 18 hours of music on multiple stages, as well as with food vendors, beer and wine gardens, arts and crafts vendors and a children’s area. The event is held in Yankton Trail Park. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Robert Cray, Jonny Lang. siouxfallsjazzfest.com

Jazz & Rib Fest Columbus, Ohio July 20–22 Held along the Scioto River in Ohio’s capital, this free festival

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Indiana’s Elkhart Jazz Festival was founded in 1988.

features three days of big-name jazz-related The fact that Beiderbeke’s name can still players, as well as chicken and ribs pre- bring crowds to the Rhythm City Casino pared by some of the nation’s best chefs. Resort is a testament to the important work LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers in- he crafted in just a few years of recording. cluded Kenny Garrett, Maysa, Big Bad Voodoo LINEUP: The Fats Waller Legacy Band and Daddy, Miles Electric Band, Rebirth Brass Band. The Trio (both featur- KRWULEVFRROMD]]RUJ ing Jeff Barnhart) Hal Smith and Dave Bennett, The Fat Babies, Josh Duffee’s Prairie Dog Blues Festival All-Star Graystone Monarchs, Miss Jubi- Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin lee & The Humdingers, The Wolverines. July 27–28 bixsociety.org Held each year on St. Feriole Island, a piece of land in the middle of the Mississippi River Lansing JazzFest nestled between cliffs and hills, this festival Lansing, Michigan offers blues and roots supplemented by New Aug. 3–4 Orleans tunes, boogie, zydeco and gos- This 24th annual free, outdoor, festival pel. Barbecue to cajun cusine and other types features more than a dozen performances of food are available from multiple vendors. on two main stages, plus clinics/workshops LINEUP: See website. Past performers include and children’s activities. Now known as Danielle Nicole, Moreland & Arbuckle. the “hub of hip,” the Old Town section prairiedogblues.com of Lansing is home to historic buildings next to the Grand River and a vibrant Iowa Soul Festival nightlife, which now is the festival’s Iowa City, Iowa backdrop. Mose Allison, Nicole Mitchell August (Dates TBA) This festival is a celebration that features and Stanley Jordan are among the inter- the dance, music, food and art of the national stars who have played this fest. African and African-American commu- LINEUP: Cindy Scott and Brian Seeger, Aguan- nities. The event highlights the positive ko, Elden Kelly Group, John Douglas, others. influences that the culture has on Iowa jazzlansing.com City, the Creative Corridor and Eastern Iowa. This event will feature locally, region- ally and nationally recognized artists. Chicago, Illinois LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers Aug. 30–Sept. 2 include Shade of Blue, Sidewalk Chalk, T.L. In honor of the 40th Annual Chicago Williams & The Storm Chaser Orchestra. Jazz Festival in 2018, the Department of VXPPHURIWKHDUWVRUJ Cultural Affairs & Special Events will offer a new program to support local venues Bix Beiderbecke Memorial and jazz-presenting organizations that Jazz Festival offer free, public programs. The Chicago Davenport, Iowa Jazz Festival is a free event held in Millen- Aug. 2–4 nium Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Focused mostly on the genre’s early period, LINEUP: See website. Past performers the Bix Beiderbeke Memorial Jazz Festival include Jason Moran, Anat Cohen, Allison works to honor the legacy of its namesake. Miller, Mary Halvorson, , At this point, the festival has spanned more Marquis Hill, Dee Dee Bridgewater. years than the cornetist’s recording career. FKLFDJRMD]]IHVWLYDOXV

108 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 Detroit Jazz Festival cago and produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Hyde Park Jazz Festival Detroit, Michigan Chicago, Illinois Aug. 31–Sept. 3 LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers Sept 29–30 Fans can enjoy four jam-packed days of included Seun Kuti and Betsayda Machado. The 12th annual edition of this festival features unique programming and more than 60 ZRUOGPXVLFIHVWLYDOFKLFDJRRUJ two full days of free non-stop jazz, with more performances as remarkable and diverse as than 150 local, national and international the genre itself during the world-class, free Michigan BluesFest jazz musicians performing in 12 venues. Detroit Jazz Festival, with shows on four stages. Lansing, Michigan LINEUP: See website. Past performers include LINEUP: Chick Corea (Artist In Residence), Sept. 21–22 Miguel Zenon, Ambrose Akinmusire Nicole Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, This festival will bring two days of blues to Mitchell, Ballake Sissoko. , Cécile McLorin Salvant, Nicholas three stages in the Old Town section of Lan- K\GHSDUNMD]]IHVWLYDORUJ Payton, & The Drumhedz, more. sing. In addition to all the music, a wealth of detroitjazzfest.org beverage and food options will be available. (GJHIHVW LINEUP: See website. Last year’s perform- Ann Arbor, Michigan Blues at the Crossroads ers included the Jim Shaneberger Band, Oct. 17–20 Terre Haute, Indiana Karen Lovely and The Flying Crowbars. The thematic focus of Edgefest 2018 will be the Sept. 7–8 PLFKLJDQEOXHVIHVWFRP avant-garde, experimental sounds of Chicago. This family-friendly event will be held near The roster includes artists who have spent time 7th St. and Wabash Ave. It will include food Ouibache Music Festival in the Windy City, inspired by the unique ener- vendors, beer gardens and a Silent . West Lafayette, Indiana gy of its heterogeneous improvisation scene, LINEUP: See website. Last year’s art- Sept. 29 including multi-instrumentalist Roscoe Mitch- ists include Eric Stekel, Ian Moore, Held at Tippecanoe County Amphitheater ell, who will lead a special 50th Anniversary, Ellusion, Jo Marcinek Band. in West Lafayette, Ouibache presents a all-star edition of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. EOXHVDWWKHFURVVURDGVFRP variety of types of music. The event offers LINEUP: , Don Moye, Hugh Ragin, camping, two stages of entertainment, swing Fred Barry, Nicole Mitchell, Mazz Swift, Tomeka World Music Festival dancing, and food and beverage vendors. Reid, Jaribu Shahid, Jason Stein, Fred Lon- Chicago, Illinois LINEUP: Andrew Peterson, Blair Crim- berg-Holm, Harrison Bankhead, Adam Snead, Sept. 7–23 mins & The Hookers, Christie Lenée, Myra Melford, Joelle Leandre, Dave Rempis, Founded in 1999, this festival has host- Blind Boy & The CNI Dawg, Big Swing Guillermo Gregorio, , Avreeayl ed hundreds of performers over the Band, Derek Brown’s “BEATBoX SAX” Ra, Steve Rush, Ed Wilkerson, Mike Reed. decades. It is presented by the City of Chi- RXLEDFKHFRP edgefestannarbor.com

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 109 110 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 GEORGE WELLS

Kenny Garrett performs during the 2017 edition of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in Healdsburg, .

rtistically successful jazz festivals offer a was in a duo with the late drummer Billy ing concert, will showcase the Marcus Shelby point of view that reflects both geo- Higgins during 1997, when Felix was testing the Big Band with flutist James Newton, vocal- Agraphic locale and, when possible, the waters by booking shows prior to launching the ist Ruth Naomi Floyd and the 100-member aesthetic of the programmer. event in 1999. Freedom Jazz Choir. And Dr. Michael White’s As the Healdsburg Jazz Festival marks its The lineup this year reflects that kind of his- Original Liberty Jazz Band makes a rare West 20th anniversary June 1–10, its setting in tory. Included amid the festivities is a mid-week Coast appearance as well. California’s wine country and the vision of concert by bandleader and Santa Rosa native California’s wine country made the news founder Jessica Felix are worthy of celebration. Adam Theis, who will be performing with his recently for a rash of fires and mudslides: “It’s “I can’t believe we made it,” Felix said. “For Costa Nostra Strings project. The ensemble will very important that people realize that we’re the 20th anniversary, I decided that it’s going to be complemented by guest vocalist and spo- OK and that coming here will actually benefit be a bigger festival than we’ve ever had.” ken-word artist Emcee Infinite. us, because all the businesses have taken a very For opening night, guitarists Bill Frisell and A young Theis participated in and helped big hit after people stopped coming,” Felix said. —a native of Santa Rosa, about 15 promote the inaugural festival, Felix said: “I “We were all hard-hit, and this festival’s going miles southeast of Healdsburg, who has been had a truck, and we put Adam’s band on the to be important spiritually and economically playing the festival since his days as a tween back and went around town going, ‘Come to the for the area.” prodigy—will perform a pair of shows as a duo. festival.’” A native, Felix said she grew up A double bill on June 2 with the Fred Hersch Geri Allen originally was booked for a June on the late-’60s jazz of Lloyd, John Handy and Trio and Trio da Paz features guest clarinetist 8 performance. The program, initially planned . She graduated from Sonoma Anat Cohen and vocalist Claudia Villela. The with saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, bassist Dave State University and eventually settled in the opening weekend concludes with tenor saxo- Holland and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, East Bay, founding the Eddie Moore Festival, phonist Charles Lloyd performing a concert to has been reimagined as a tribute to the recent- before relocating to Healdsburg. A longtime mark his 80th birthday alongside tabla maestro ly deceased pianist-composer. There’s a double friend of drummer Higgins, she embraced his , pianist , bassist bill the following night with the vision for jazz education and has incorporated Harish Raghavan, drummer Eric Harland and Trio and a Festival All-Stars group that includes that into the festival through local efforts. “surprise guests.” alto saxophonist , drummer Billy “Little by little, she has taken the town of “If you hold a mirror up to a sign saying Hart and percussionist Babatunde Lea. Healdsburg by the hand and elevated their ‘Healdsburg Jazz Festival,’ you will see the image “I had a lot of festival family that I wanted to experience and knowledge of America’s indig- of Jessica Felix staring back at you,” Lloyd wrote book this year, so this was one way to include as enous art form, jazz,” Lloyd wrote. “She has in an email. “Jessica Felix’s passion for great jazz many as I could,” Felix said. teamed up with area schools to introduce it to is palpable and her hospitality is incomparable.” A pair of high-profile events also is sched- every age group. This has been a beautiful thing Lloyd’s first concert in the California city uled. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a free morn- to witness.” —Yoshi Kato

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festival’s organizers also collaborate with Cuesta College on a Summer Jazz Work- shop, which takes place June 18–22. JIM LEVITT LINEUP: Sergio Mendes, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Anton Schwartz Quin- tet, TrioKAIT, Pub Crawlers, more. slojazzfest.org

Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival Bellevue, Washington May 30–June 3 Some 40 shows are hosted in downtown Bellevue with John Gilbreath, executive director of nearby Earshot Jazz, collabo- rating to book headliners. Junior, middle school and high school student musicians perform as well as adult professionals drawn from local and national talent pools. Terell Stafford (left), and LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers Sean Jones perform at Jazz Port Townsend in Washington state. included Catherine Russell, Corey Har- ris, Radio Raheem, The Rumba Kings. SherriLynn Colby, Danny Coots, Bobby UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival bellevuedowntown.com Greeley, Colorado Durham, Brian Holland, Nate Ketner, Jerry April 19–21 Krahn, Eddie Metz Jr., Terry Myers, Russ Phillips, Sam Rocha, Jason Wanner. Newport Beach Jazz Festival The largest event of its kind in the nation, Newport Beach, California this festival brings together internation- sunvalleyjazz.com/mccall June 1–3 ally recognized artists, award-winning This festival hosts world-class acts at the clinicians and more than 250 college, Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival beautiful Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. With high school, and middle school big bands, Juneau, Alaska an international food court, vendor village and combos, and jazz vocal groups. Each year, May 4–19 stunning views of the bay, this festival provides 8,000 participants enjoy performances This fest presents world-class artists in ticketed the opportunity to enjoy jazz in an intimate and the many educational workshops. and free performances, educational work- amphitheater, or while dancing on the lawn. shops and clinics, and community outreach LINEUP: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gordon Good- LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included events. This festival is presented in different win’s Big Phat Band, Aaron Diehl, Tribute to , , The O’Jays. locations throughout the community. the featuring IHVWLYDOVK\DWWFRQFHUWVFRP & Bob Sheppard, Vertical Voices, UNC Jazz LINEUP: Johnaye Kendrick, Eroica Trio, Rhonda Lab Band I, UNC All Angles Orchestra. Ross, Richard & Mika Stotlzman, Andrew “Jr. +HDOGVEXUJ-D]])HVWLYDO uncjazzfest.com Boy” Jones Band, Luke Fleming, Kate Ransom, Doug Deming & The JewelTones, Gary Motley Healdsburg, California Trio, Bradley Howard & William Ransom. June 1–10 Reno Jazz Festival This year, the festival will mark 20 consecutive jazzandclassics.org Reno, Nevada years of presenting great jazz performances April 26–28 and jazz education in Sonoma County. The For its 56th edition, this hybrid festival/clinic/ Ballard Jazz Festival milestone anniversary will be celebrated with competition falls under the guidance of Pete Seattle, Washington expanded programming, free community Epstein, jazz saxophonist and chair of the May 16–19 concerts and an unprecedented number University of Nevada–Reno Department of Founded in 2003 as a provincial one-day of musicians returning to participate. The Music. As RJF director, Epstein partners with event, this festival has blossomed to include region continues to recover from the dev- Adam Benjamin, UNR director of jazz studies both locally based and imported talent. The astating wildfires of October 2017, and as (and new RJF associate director), to maintain original Jazz Walk still concludes the four-day part of the rebuilding and healing process, a blend of educational and concert elements. event but is now preceded by Brotherhood this festival will contribute to the social, LINEUP: Dafnis Prieto, Peter Apfel- of the Drum, Guitar Summit and main- economic and cultural vitality of the area. baum + The Collective, more. stage concerts the previous three nights. LINEUP: Bill Frisell & Julian Lage Duo, Fred unr.edu/rjf LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers Hersch Trio, Trio da Paz with Anat Cohen included Chico Freeman, George Colligan, & Claudia Villela, Charles Lloyd (with Zakir Jazz Party Weekend Greta Matassa, Marina Albero, Brad Shepik. Hussain, Eric Harland, Gerald Clayton, Harish McCall, Idaho ballardjazzfestival.com Raghvan & other guests), John Santos Sextet, April 27–29 Marc Cary Trio, Geri Allen Tribute (featuring This 20-hour event, presented by the Shore SLO Jazz Festival Ravi Coltrane, & Terri Lyne Lodge and the Sun Valley Jazz & Music San Luis Obispo, California Carrington), George Cables Trio, Bobby Wat- Festival, is an intimate journey into the living May 18–19 son, Azar Lawrence, , , room of jazz. Now in its fifth year, this festival presents Chico Freeman, Marcus Shelby Big Band, Dr. LINEUP: Charlie Bertini, Brian Casserly, jazz on five stages in Mission Plaza. The Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band,

112 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 113 Sylvia Cuenca performs at Tent in Aspen, plus JAS Cafe shows at the the Montavilla Jazz Festival in Portland, Oregon. Aspen Art Museum and The Little Nell. LINEUP: Lizz Wright, Leslie Odom Jr., Lyle Lovett & His Large Band. jazzaspensnowmass.org/ MXQHH[SHULHQFHKWPO

A Jazz & Dance Party Olympia, Washington June 29–July 1 Swing dancers and vintage jazz lovers alike will love this new event. Four bands and seven guest artists will trade licks over the course of the weekend. With a 2,000-square-foot dance floor, dancers and listeners will delight in the music. LINEUP: Black Swan with Marilyn Keller, High Sierra, Uptown Lowdown, Toni Blodgett, Brian Casserly, Jay Hungerford, Dick Maley, Pieter Meijers, Jimmy Armstrong, John Reynolds. sunvalleyjazz.com/lacey

Vail Jazz Festival AARON HAYMAN Vail, Colorado July 1–Sept. 3 Adam Theis with The Cosa Nostra Strings. Playboy Jazz Festival The 24th edition of this festival features more KHDOGVEXUJMD]]RUJ Los Angeles, California than 70 performances and 200 artists, with June 9–10 a diverse array of performance experiences Jazz Festival The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association ranging from an intimate jazz club setting, to a San Francisco, California will present the 40th annual Playboy Jazz world-class big stage, to a breathtaking open- June 5–17 Festival at the famed Hollywood Bowl. The air venue in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The 36th edition of this festival will present festival will feature emerging jazz artists LINEUP: Django Festival All-Stars, Tony DeSare more than 40 shows over 13 days, in- as well as renowned superstars. George & The H2 Big Band, Andrea Motis with Joel cluding tributes to Benny Goodman, Lopez will once again host the event. Frahm, Nikci Parrot’s Tribute to Peggy Lee. and Patsy Cline. Venues A special celebration honoring the late Freddie vailjazz.org include the Lab, Miner Hubbard will feature Randy Brecker, Nicho- Auditorium and Davies Symphony Hall. las Payton, Jeremy Pelt and David Weiss. Waterfront Blues Festival LINEUP: Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain & LINEUP: & David Grusin, Ramsey Portland, Oregon Chris Potter, Anat Cohen, Brian Blade & Lewis Quintet, Snarky Puppy, Miles Electric July 4–7 The Fellowship Band, Band, Edmar Castaneda Quartet with Grégoire Fans can enjoy blues legends, up-and-com- Quartet, Irma Thomas, , Maret, Daymé Arocena, Monsieur Perine, Roy ers and regional favorites at the 31st annual Marcus Miller, Sergio Mendes, , Gaines, Jazmine Sullivan, Charles Lloyd & edition of this festival, held at Tom McCall Tuck & Patti, Julian Lage Trio, Thumb- The Marvels with Lucinda Williams, Tower of Waterfront Park. This year’s fest will feature screw, Kneebody, Oracle, Power, Hubtones with Randy Brecker, Nicholas more than 100 acts on four stages. Festival Jamison Ross, , Soweto Kinch, Payton, Jeremy Pelt & David Weiss, Antho- proceeds help Oregon Food Bank fight hunger George Cole, , Ken Vander- ny Hamilton, Orchestra (under in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. mark & Nate Wooley Duo, , the direction of Scotty Barnhart), Kneebody, LINEUP: George Thorogood & the Destroy- Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Bill & Mandekan Cubano, LAUSD/ ers, Beth Hart, The Mavericks, Robert Charlap, Renee Rosnes, Gerald Clayton. Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band (under Randolph & The Family Band, Marc Brous- sfjazz.org the direction of Tony White and JB Dyas). sard, Johnny Rawls, The Motet, Chubby KROO\ZRRGERZOFRP Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Com- Greeley Blues Jam mander Cody, Larkin Poe, Curtis Salga- Greeley, Colorado Russian River Blues Festival do, Ranky Tanky, Horace Trahan & The June 8–9 Guerneville, California Ossun Express, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. Island Grove Arena hosts family-friendly June 10 waterfrontbluesfest.com blues along with food and drink selections. This year’s festival takes place during the An evening of pre-festival activities in histor- centennial celebration of Johnson’s Beach, a Sunset Jazz At Newport ic downtown Greeley precedes it. Kids can popular vacation destination in Guerneville. Newport Beach, California learn about the great American LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included July 11–Sept. 19 art form at the arena’s Blues 101 Stage, Tower of Power, Kenny Wayne Shepherd. fans can dine in the inti- where they can also acquire a free russianriverfestivals.com mate Rose Garden of the Newport Beach (while supplies last). Marriott Hotel & Spa while listening to LINEUP: Devon Allman Project (featuring Jazz Aspen Snowmass national jazz and cabaret artists during this Duane Betts), Ronnie Earl & The Broadcast- June Experience series of 11 Wednesday-night concerts. ers, Danielle Nicole, Otis Taylor Band, Victor Aspen, Colorado LINEUP: See website. Past performers in- Wainwright & The Train, Dany Franchi, Chris June 22–30 clude Ken Peplowski, , Daniels & The Kings, Mojomama, Blue Dogs. The JAS June Experience includes four nights Tom Kubis Big Band, Barbara Morrison. greeleybluesjam.com of headliners at the majestic Benedict Music sunsetjazzatnewport.com

114 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 115 Idyllwild Jazz ’ silver anniversa- ry. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, the setting provides idyllic surroundings in which audiences can enjoy 27 art-

COURTESY SFJAZZ ists on four separate bandstands. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists in- clude , Marshall Hawkins, Roy McCurdy, Rose Mallett Quartet. MD]]LQWKHSLQHVFRP

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Aug. 10–12 This festival features jazz, Latin, blues, salsa and r&b. One of biggest music events in Silicon Valley, this event offers kids’ activities; food, wine and microbrews; and after-hours events. LINEUP: & Lani Hall, Jane Monheit, Booker T. Jones’ Stax Revue, Yissy & Bandan- Dave Holland (left), Chris Potter and Zakir Hussain perform at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. cha, Nachito Herrera, Kool & The Gang, , Vincent Herring, Mae.Sun, Marcus Roberts, Theo Croker, Emmet Cohen Trio, in new and unexpected pairings, hand- New Jazz Festival Kat Edmonson, Makaya McCraven, more. picked by Artistic Director John Clayton. Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico summerfest.sanjosejazz.org July 14–29 Performances take place in the 1,200-seat The 13th edition of this festival will feature con- McCurdy Pavilion in Fort Worden State Park, certs and events at indoor and outdoor venues as well as in intimate venues downtown. Montavilla Jazz Festival throughout Albuquerque and Santa Fe by ma- This event includes coaching, master class- Portland, Oregon jor touring artists, as well as New Mexico-based es and other educational components. Aug. 18–19 This annual event showcases the world- jazz, r&b and Latin music practitioners. LINEUP: Terell Stafford, Jeff Hamilton, Stefon class talents of Portland-based artists who Harris, Matt Wilson, Jazzmeia Horn, George LINEUP: Chucho Valdés & Gonza- are pushing the boundaries of jazz. lo Rubalcaba, Tootie Heath, Charles Cables, , , Tamir LINEUP: Nancy King with Randy Porter, Dmitri McPherson, Dee Dee Bridgewater. Hendelman, Katie Thiroux, The Baylor Project. Matheny with Darrell Grant, George Colligan’s newmexicojazzfestival.org centrum.org/jazz Other Barry, Douglas Detrick’s AnyWhen 3RUW7RZQVHQG$FRXVWLF Ensemble, Ryan Meagher’s Evil Twin, Chris- Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival topher Brown Quartet, James Miley & The Fairbanks, Alaska Blues Festival Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble. July 15–29 Port Townsend, Washington montavillajazzfest.com The stated goal of this festival is to “free your in- Aug. 3–4 ner artist” through multidisciplinary instruction, Fans flock to Washington for the largest opportunities to perform and arts appreciation. country blues gathering in the nation. Concerts Vail Jazz Party Started in 1980, this gathering has expanded feature players and music from areas where Vail, Colorado to include classes and workshops in addition pre-war country blues developed: the Piedmont Aug. 30–Sept. 3 to concerts at venues throughout Fairbanks. region, the Mississippi Delta, Mississippi Hill This event features a full lineup of jazz’s finest groups and soloists, joining togeth- LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included Country, New Orleans, Texas and more. er in main-stage shows, jam sessions and Greta Matassa, Keith Karns, Eustace Johnson. LINEUP: Andrew Alli, Roy Book Binder, Clinton multimedia tributes to jazz legends. fsaf.org Davis, Del Rey, Pat Donohue, Jake Faulkner, Mary Flower, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Chaz LINEUP: John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Terell Leary, Ethan Leinwand, Tim McNalley, Cary Stafford, , Bill Cunliffe, Jeff Hamilton Jazz at the Bowl Trio, René Marie + Experiment in Truth, Benny Los Angeles, California Morin, Jonathan Piper, Craig Ventresco, Rev- erend John Wilkins, Jontavious Willis, more. Green Trio, Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, July 18–Sept. 5 Adrian Cunningham, Niki Haris, Tyrone The Hollywood Bowl, home of the L.A. centrum.org/port-townsend-acoustic Jackson, Sean Jones, Lyndon Rochelle. Philharmonic, continues its Wednesday -blues-festival-performances vailjazz.org/vail-jazz-party evening summer jazz concert series. LINEUP: Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra featuring Telluride Jazz Festival Lil Buck & Jared Grimes, Clayton-Hamilton Telluride, Colorado Jazz Aspen Snowmass Jazz Orchestra (featuring Gerald Clayton Aug. 3–5 Labor Day Experience Trio), Gregory Porter, Savion Glover, George The 42nd annual edition of this festival Snowmass, Colorado Benson, , José James, Taj Mahal & presents jazz, funk, soul and gospel per- Aug. 31–Sept. 2 Keb’ Mo’, Melissa Etheridge, Deva Mahal, formances in a fantastic natural setting. Held outdoors at Snowmass Town Park, Queen Latifah, Common, Seal, Corinne Bailey LINEUP: Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Irma Thom- this event takes place in a mountain re- Rae, The Pink Panther live score, more. as, , BadBadNotGood, Cory sort town. The main stage is paired daily KROO\ZRRGERZOFRP Henry, GoGoPenguin, No BS! Brass Band. with two festival side stages, as well as telluridejazz.org nightly JAS After Dark musical events. -D]]3RUW7RZQVHQG LINEUP: Gary Clark Jr., , Jack Port Townsend, Washington Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines Johnson, Zac Brown Band, Michael Franti & July 22–29 Idyllwild, California Spearhead, Fitz & The Tantrums, Bahamas. The Centrum workshop and festival fea- Aug. 10–12 jazzaspensnowmass.org/ ture 36 internationally known performers More than dozen acts will help mark ODERUGD\H[SHULHQFHKWPO

116 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 117 Angel City Jazz Festival Cameron Graves, Kristen Strom, Katie Thiroux Los Angeles, California Monterey, California Trio, KNOWER, Bobby Floyd Trio, more. September–October (Dates TBA) Sept. 21–23 montereyjazzfestival.org This festival focuses on innovative, highly orig- Now in its 61st year, the Monterey Jazz inal artists. The programming includes estab- Festival is the longest continuously run- Oregon Coast Jazz Party lished jazz artists, as well as emerging talent. ning jazz festival in the world. Nearly 140 Newport, Oregon LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists performances, panels, conversations, films Oct. 5–7 include Craig Taborn, Dee Dee Bridge- and exhibits take place over two days and The 15th edition of this festival presents water, Steve Lehman, . three nights on eight stages at the oak-stud- world-class jazz in Newport, on the central angelcityjazz.com ded Monterey County Fairgrounds. Oregon coast. Fans can expect multiple LINEUP: Tia Fuller and Ingrid Jensen (Art- sets from renowned jazz stars, nightcap performances and educational events. Russian River Jazz Festival ists-in-Residence), Oscar Hernandez & the Guerneville, California Spanish Harlem Orchestra (Commission Artist), LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists include Sept. 8–9 Dianne Reeves (Showcase Artist), Wynton Mar- , Russell Malone, Gerald This festival features jazz, funk and r&b on salis & The Orchestra, Jon Clayton, Holly Hofmann (music director). the river at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. Batiste & The Dap-Kings, Charles Lloyd & The coastarts.org Marvels with Lucinda Williams; A Tribute to Mi- LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included chael Brecker with /Randy Brecker/ Stephanie Mills, Richard Elliot, Norman Brown. Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival Donny McCaslin/Antonio Sanchez/John Patituc- russianriverfestivals.com Palm Springs, California ci/Adam Rogers, Remembering with October (Dates TBA) Christian McBride/Benny Green/Greg Hutchin- This festival presents renowned female jazz Telluride Blues & Brews Festival son & guests, A Tribute to Geri Allen directed artists in the resort town of Palm Springs. Telluride, Colorado by Tia Fuller & Ingrid Jensen, MJF on Tour with LINEUP: See website. Last year’s art- Sept. 14–16 Cécile McLorin Salvant/Bria Skonberg/Melissa ists include Claudia Acuña, Kandace A scenic and intimate music festival, the 25th Aldana/Christian Sands/Jamison Ross/Yasushi Springs, Jazzmeia Horn, Miki Howard. Telluride Blues & Brews takes place in a pictur- Nakamura, José James, Christian McBride palmspringswomensjazzfestival.org esque mountain town. The multi-stage celebra- Trio, Joey DeFrancesco & The People, Dave tion offers an eclectic mix of music paired with Grusin, Thornetta Davis, Veronica Swift, Donny some of the best craft breweries in the country. McCaslin Group, Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Earshot Jazz Festival LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists include Jane Ira Bloom, Fred Hersch, Thumbscrew (Mary Seattle, Washington Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’. Halvorson/Michael Formanek/Tomas Fujiwara), Oct. 14–Nov. 4 The “dean” of Pacific Northwest jazz festivals, tellurideblues.com Julian Lage Trio, Lisa Mezzacappa’s AvantNOIR, Earshot celebrates its 30th anniversary this fall. In addition to booking touring and rising star artists, Earshot has put the spotlight on local artists of national prominence, including vocalist-pianist Robin Holcomb and saxophon- ist/multi-instrumentalist Briggan Krauss. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists include Hudson, Gregory Porter, , Jason Moran, Mostly Other People Do the Killing, Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. HDUVKRWRUJ

Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival Sun Valley, Idaho Oct. 17–21 The 29th edition of this event will celebrate the Great American Songbook, plus vintage jazz, swing, big band, zydeco, blues, stride, boogie-woogie, cabaret, folk and other genres. More than 200 musicians and thousands of fans meet in the beautiful mountains of Idaho. LINEUP: Barnhart/Midiri Quartet, Black Market Trust, Black Swan Classic Jazz Band with Marilyn Keller, Blue Renditions, Blue Street Jazz Band, Bob Draga, Boise Straight Ahead, Bruce Innes Trio, Carolyn Martin Swing Band, Cocuzzi Trio, Cornet Chop Suey, Yve Evans, Gator Nation, Holland & Coots, Paris Wash- board Superswing, Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Jazz Band with Bill Allred, Sun Valley Jazz All Stars, Terry Myers Quartet with Jaimie Roberts, Tom Hook & the Terrier Brothers, Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles, Gary Ryan, Sherri Colby’s Racket Makers & Friends, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Two-Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs, We Three, Yale Whiffenpoofs. sunvalleyjazz.com

118 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 119 CANADA

Lips, Tune-Yards, Daniel Caesar, others. jazzwinnipeg.com

TD Jazz Festival Ottawa, June 21–July 1 ©VALERIE GAY-BESSETTE This festival attracts hundreds of thousands to hear some of the jazz world’s most renowned musicians. Performances take place day and night in indoor and outdoor settings. LINEUP: GoGo Penguin, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bria Skonberg, Baltic Jazz Trio, Hush Point, Samuel Blazer Trio, Maciej Obara Quartet, Gwenyth Herbert, Rotem Sivam Trio, Sun of Gold- Festival International de Jazz de Montréal finger, Marius Neset, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Peter Van Huffel’s Gorilla Mask, Guillaume Perret: )HVWLYDO,QWHUQDWLRQDOGH0XVLTXH LINEUP: Joe Satriani and others. See website. Free, Dan Weiss Metal Jazz Quintet, Jerry Granelli $FWXHOOHGH9LFWRULDYLOOH ),0$9 fgmat.com Group with and Bob Lanzetti, Joe Victoriaville, Quebec Sullivan Big Band, Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop, May 17–20 Suoni Per Il Popolo The Heavyweights Brass Band, Alison Krauss, The 34th edition of FIMAV will offer avant-garde , Quebec Boz Scaggs, Francois Bourassa, Ron Artis II & The music, visual arts, short films and sound art June 1–18 Truth, Ghost Note, Lake Street Drive, Swing Swing installations. Venues for this festival are Casa del Popolo, Swing! with Kellylee Evans, Moon Hooch, Michael Greilsammer, Jerry Douglas Band, Banda Magda, LINEUP: William Parker, Fire!, Mats Gustafsson, Sala Rossa, La Vitrola and La Sotterenea. Walter Boudreau, Rova, Phew, Anna Homler, LINEUP: , Paal Nilssen-Love, ottawajazzfestival.com Mette Rasmussen, Lan Tung, David & The Nicole Mitchell, Jaimie Branch, Budi. Mountain Ensemble, Audrey Chen, Balazs suoniperilpopolo.org SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Pandi, Lori Freedman, Erwan Keravec. , Saskatchewan ƓPDYTFFD TD International June 22–July 1 For more than three decades, this fest has offered Jazz Festival jazz, blues, funk, soul, pop and world music. Winnipeg, Manitoba World Guitar Festival (FGMAT) LINEUP: Kamasi Washington, John Butler Rouyn-Noranda, Northern Québec June 14–24 Since 1990, this annual feastival has been Trio, Ben Harper & , May 26–June 2 The Flaming Lips, Bonobo, City & Colour. The 14th annual edition of FGMAT showcases a presenting dozens of top-tier touring acts at saskjazz.com wide spectrum of musical styles on stringed downtown concert venues. instruments. LINEUP: Chris Botti, Jill Barber, The Flaming TD Jazz Festival Toronto, Ontario June 22–July 1 This festival features more than 100 free performances, as well as new initiatives and some of the biggest names in music. LINEUP: Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, Snarky Puppy, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Lake Street Dive, , Heavyweights Brass Band. torontojazz.com

TD International Jazz Festival Vancouver, British Columbia June 22–July 1 This festival offers more than 1,800 artists, 300 performances and 35 venues. There are more than 150 free shows, including two huge outdoor presentations downtown and at David Lam Park. LINEUP: Spanish Harlem Orchestra, GoGo Penguin, Dave King Trucking Company, Dan Weiss, Stare- baby, Kamasi Washington, , more. coastaljazz.ca

120 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 121 TD Victoria International Jazz Festival Victoria, British Columbia June 22–July 1 The 35th edition of this fest will feature jazz, blues and world music by more than 350 musicians from around the world. LINEUP: Julian Lage Trio, GoGo Penguin, Ghost Note, Vincent Herring Quartet, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Ranee Lee. jazzvictoria.ca

)HVWLYDO,QWHUQDWLRQDOGH-D]]GH0RQWU«DO Montreal, Quebec June 28–July 7 The world’s largest jazz festival has been synonymous with a passion for music for nearly 40 years. For 10 days, Montreal becomes the gathering spot for jazz fans from around the globe. LINEUP: Sons of Kemet, Chris Botti, Snarky Puppy, /Randy Brecker Band, Keyon Harrold, Moon Hooch, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, Ólafur Arnalds & Jean-Michel Blais, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Davina & The Vagabonds, GoGo Penguin, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Daniel Caesar, Jain, Ian Anderson, , Ranee Lee, Tom Kenney, Bokanté, Marius Neset, , Kamasi Washington, Holly Cole, Beth Hart, more. montrealjazzfest.com

TD Halifax Jazz Festival Halifax, July 11–15 Now in its 32nd year, this festival makes use of the beautiful waterfront setting of downtown Halifax to present a wide range of performers. LINEUP: Charlotte Day Wilson, Daniel Caesar, The War On Drugs, others. KDOLID[MD]]IHVWLYDOFD

TD Kitchener Blues Festival Kitchener, Ontario Aug. 9–12 This event presents more than 80 international, national and regional acts on six stages. Plus, there are late shows in clubs and restaurants. LINEUP: Jonny Lang with Rik Emmett and Resolution 9. See website. NLWFKHQHUEOXHVIHVWLYDOFRP

The Blues Festival Edmonton, Alberta Aug. 24–26 The 20th annual edition of this award-winning festival will feature the best in blues from around the world. LINEUP: Booker T., Samantha Fish, Monkeyjunk, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Sugaray Rayford, Ben Waters, more. bluesinternationalltd.com

Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival Penticton, British Columbia Sept. 7–9 This event presents traditional jazz bands in five venues, all within close proximity. Audiences are enthusiastically encouraged to dance. LINEUP: Bria Skonberg, Dave Bennett, Tom Hook, Tom Rigney, more. pentasticjazz.com

Guelph Jazz Festival Guelph, Ontario Sept. 12–16 This festival , celebrating its 25th anniversary, features the best in creative improvised music, and also hosts a free outdoor concert series and an educational colloquium. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included BassDrumBone, Peter Brötzmann, Peggy Lee Octet, MendHam. JXHOSKMD]]IHVWLYDOFRP

122 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 123 124 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 LUTZ VOIGTLAENDER

Swedish vocalist Viktoria Tolstoy, who has recorded for the ACT imprint, performs at Jazzfest Bonn in last year.

ermany’s growing love and support of “We invited many extraordinary and dis- the delicate balancing act of showcasing well- jazz is continuous, and sometimes tinctive pianists with their bands to the festival,” known and emerging artists, as well as of creat- Gincludes echoes of the nation’s estima- Materna said. In addition to Bates, who will per- ing a space for various sub-genres. ble musical past. form with his trio Belovèd, the list includes Julia “It is very important for me to reach as many Such is the case with Jazzfest Bonn, a formi- Hülsmann, Pablo Held, , Gerald people as possible,” he said. “In my opinion, this dable and relatively young festival on the scene. Clayton, Makoto Ozone, and Aaron music and the [scope of the] form is so mag- It celebrates its ninth anniversary this spring, Goldberg. nificent that I want to inspire others. … To April 26–May 12, in the famed city of Ludwig Bates, whose expressive powers on piano are make this possible, I have to program in a way van Beethoven’s birth. Generally, there aren’t displayed on 2017’s The Study Of Touch (ECM), that less-experienced listeners are able to gain direct links between Beethoven and Jazzfest— said that “Jazzfest Bonn is presenting a wonder- access to jazz. It’s an ideal mix for what I want although that might shift in 2020, the year that fully varied group of pianists this year and I feel to achieve.” would mark the composer’s 250th birthday. a kinship with all of them. We’re all building The prominence of classical music in Still, some musical resonance with the immor- with the same 88 piano keys and all exploring Germany, Materna points out, also relates to a tally beloved Beethoven should be expected. the infinity that they offer.” strong national taste for jazz’s sophistication. Peter Materna, founding festival director, Germany boasts many notable jazz festivals “Jazz is highly regarded in Germany. It noted that “classical musicians look at Bonn of varying sizes, stylistic leanings and vintag- receives more and more respect, and can be in great reverence, since it is Beethoven’s place es, including the 54-year-old Jazzfest , experienced in traditional concert halls more of birth and it exhibits a major classical music the adventuresome Moers Festival and the frequently,” he said. “We have a very sensi- scene. Since Beethoven was known to be a great wide-ranging Jazz Baltica. Add Bonn to that list ble, culturally disposed and open audience in improvisation artist during his lifetime, it is of German fests worth keeping tabs on. Germany. Due to the strong presence of classi- obvious that we have a very enthusiastic audi- “The main distinction between Jazzfest cal music in our society, it belongs to our gener- ence here. This enabled Jazzfest Bonn to grow Bonn and other [German] festivals is that al education to be interested in cultural themes from year to year.” our concerts take place at 10 different venues and, in particular, music. Unfortunately, in And according to British pianist Django throughout the [city],” said Materna. “Each Germany, jazz music is not publicly subsidized Bates, one of this year’s highlighted festival venue is carefully chosen and the music is tuned as much as classical music is. But we do hope artists, “It’s impossible to be in Bonn without to the concert location. … The other major and campaign for a change here.” thinking of Beethoven.” difference is that the concerts are always in a As the festival moves toward its 10th anni- The first jazz festival of its size in Germany’s double-concert format. On one evening, two versary in 2019, Materna explains that the proj- former capital city, Jazzfest Bonn grew from a bands can be heard, each for one hour on the ect is secure in its footing, while still being a weekend-long event in 2009 to its current three- same stage. In an ideal situation, I combine a work-in-progress. week span. The 2018 roster includes ever-pop- renowned artist with a completely unknown “We are constantly developing the festival ular Swedish trombonist , gui- artist. At the same time, the quality of the con- further,” he said. “One of our main goals is to tarist and Swiss vocalist Andrea certs should be equivalent. Through this, we strengthen jazz music with its artistic fascina- Schaerer. want to show the concertgoer how complex and tion and connecting quality as an important Thematic agendas often are woven into the diverse this wonderful music can be.” instrument for integration and togetherness in festival’s programming. And this year, piano is Materna’s philosophy in booking and our society—and to widen the number of fans the thing. designing a festival program takes into account for this music.” —Josef Woodard

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 125 EUROPE DAVID PELTAN

Bohemia JazzFest in Prague

International Jazz Festival Bern LINEUP: John Scofield, Michael Wollny Trio, Pab- LINEUP: Sons of Kemet, Chick Corea, Paolo Bern, Switzerland lo Held Quartet, Trio, SASKYA, Fresu, Andrea Motis & Joan Chamoroo Group, March 12–May 19 Nils Landgren Quartet, Ed Motta, Incognito, Manhattan Transfer & Trio, . Jazz, blues and soul are presented during Nils Wülker, Django Bates’ Belovèd, Ulita ravennajazz.it this festival, now in its 43rd year. Knaus, Inga Lühning & André Nendza, Julia Hülsmann & Christopher Dell, Lage Lund Trio, LINEUP: , Benny Green, James Car- Trondheim Jazz Festival & Martin Wind, Julia Biel, Wolf- ter, , Clayton Brothers, Cécile Trondheim, Norway gang Haffner Quartet, Richie Beirach & Gregor McLorin Salvant, Steve Gadd Band, Catherine May 8–13 Huebner, LYAMBIKO, Bundesjazzorchester, Launched in 1980 as JazzMazz, this diverse fes- Russell, James Morrison Quintet, Harry Allen. Eyolf Dale Quintet, Makoto Ozone Trio. tival focuses on Norwegian and European jazz. MD]]IHVWLYDOEHUQFK jazzfest-bonn.de LINEUP: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Menorca International Jazz Festival Porter, Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan, China Menorca, Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon Moses, Donny McCaslin, Chick Corea with the March–June Ulrichsberg, Trondheim Jazzorkester, Armel Dupas Trio, This festival is held in various towns around April 27–29 Kari Ikonen Trio, & Trondhe- the island, including Ciutadella and Mahón. This year marks the 33rd edition of this imSolistene, Atomic, . international festival of jazz, improvised jazzfest.no James Carter, Kyle Eastwood, The LINEUP: music and contemporary composed music. Jazz Fingers, Madrid Hot Jazz Band. Matthew Shipp, Sylvie Courvoisier jazzobert.com LINEUP: EUROPAfest Trio, Va Servito Ben Fresco, North of North, Bucharest, Romania & Matthew Shipp, others. May 10–19 Jazz Festival Basel MD]]DWHOLHUDWNDOKWP Jazz, blues and classical concerts by Basel, Switzerland more than 300 artists will be mixed April 12–May 16 with master classes and workshops. International jazz artists perform in a MaiJazz number of venues around the city. Stavanger, Norway LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Lineup: John Scofield, Eddie Henderson Quar- May 4–9 the Akakaze Quartet, Cocoon, Sun-Mi Hong. tet, //Brian Blade, Founded in 1989, MaiJazz (aka the jmevents.ro Band, Elina Duni, Stefano Bol- Stavanger International Jazz Festi- lani, Lucia Cadotsch, Marius Neset, Eric Bibb. val) is the city’s oldest festival. Vicenza Jazz RIIEHDWFRQFHUWFK LINEUP: Chick Corea & Trondheim Jazzorkester, Vicenza, Gregory Porter & Stavanger Symfoniorkester, May 10–20 Jazzfest Bonn Cécile McLorin Salvant, Donny McCaslin, Ralph The 23rd edition of this festival will Bonn, Germany Towner, Moon Hooch, Pixel, Hakon Kornstad. present more than 150 concerts. April 26–May 12 maijazz.no LINEUP: Ravi Coltrane, Joe Lovano/Dave In addition to presenting world-famous art- Douglas Quintet, Mythic Dream ists, this festival promotes young jazz Ravenna Jazz Arkestra (conducted by Marshall Allen), musicians, giving them the opportunity to Ravenna, Italy Camille Bertault, Raul Midón, Tigran perform in Beethoven’s birth town. Founded May 4–13 Hamasyan, , in 2010, Jazzfest Bonn has quickly built a This festival has expanded its pro- , Seamus Blake, David reputation that puts it in league with gram for its 45th edition: 10 days of Virelles, , Ralph Alessi, more. older European fests. music in venues all around town. vicenzajazz.org

126 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 Newbury Spring Festival Iford Arts Festival jazz and other genres that have connections Newbury, Iford, England to it, including rock and world music. May 12–26 May 25–Aug. 4 LINEUP: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, others. The 40th annual edition will include This longstanding, multi-genre festival caz.iksv.org/en classical, jazz and world music,. presents a variety of jazz in Iford Manor, a gar- LINEUP: YolanDa Brown, Clare Teal, Joe Stilgoe, den-oriented setting near Bradford on Avon. Ljubljana Jazz Festival Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, Kabantu. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Ljubljana, newburyspringfestival.org.uk Leeds City Stompers, Pee Wee Ellis, Heidi Vogel. June 27–30 ifordarts.org.uk This event is the recipient of the Europe Sibiu Jazz Festival Jazz Network (EJN) Award for Adventurous Sibiu, Transylvania, Romania Roma Summer Fest Programming. The 59th annual edition of this May 17–20 Rome, Italy fest will have indoor and outdoor shows. This year’s edition will debut the Ro- June 10–Aug. 2 LINEUP: manian Jazz Meeting, a launch pad This outdoor festival is held at the Au- Dave Holland/Zakir Hussain/Chris Potter for Romanian musicians who are ea- ditorium Parco della Musica. Trio, 4tet, João Bosco & Hamilton de Holanda, Goran Kajfes, Eli- ger to make inroads worldwide. LINEUP: Pat Metheny, Chick Corea Akoustic LINEUP: Accord Vibes Band, Peter Sarosi Azara, Band, , , , fantree, Ikui Doki, Rok Zalokar Trio. Djazz & Happy Sins, Irina Popa, more. King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Luca Barbarossa. ljubljanajazz.si sibiujazz.eu romeing.it/roma-summer-fest Jazz à Vienne INNtöne Jazzfestival JazzFest Passau Vienne, Diersbach, Austria Passau, Germany June 28–July 13 May 18–20 June 14–22 Presenters of the 38th edition of This fest fills three stages, and art- Shows take place in the Cafe Museum Passau, this festival encourage fans to en- ists also perform at local clubs. and the Rathausinnenhof Passau. Organizers joy music on multiple stages. LINEUP: Sons of Kemet, Kamasi Washing- also present shows on several days in August. LINEUP: Gregory Porter. Rokia Traoré, Morcheeba, others. ton, Bobby Watson, Jaimeo Brown, Soweto LINEUP: Passau Jazz Orchestra, Leo Big Kinch, David Murray Class Struggle, Hen- Band Passau, Freudenhain Big Band. jazzavienne.com drika Entzian Quartet, Chanda Rule. cafe-museum.de/jazzfest-passau inntoene.com Love Supreme Jazz Festival JazzAscona/The New Orleans East Sussex, England Moers Festival June 29–July 1 Moers, Germany Experience Jazz, funk and soul are offered at this festival, May 18–21 Ascona, Switzerland held at Glynde Place, an Elizabethan manor. This international music festival, found- June 21–30 Tony Allen, Nubya Garcia, Curtis This festival emphasizes New Orleans jazz and LINEUP: ed in 1972, has an associated “im- Harding, Keyon Harrold, Mavis Staples, food. Some 200 concerts will be presented. proviser in residence” who lives and Yazz Ahmed, Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd works in the city for one year. LINEUP: See website. Past performers in- Exodus, George Clinton, Elvis Costello, clude Topsy Chapman, Jon Cleary. LINEUP: See website. Last year’s performers , more. MD]]DVFRQDFK included Anthony Braxton, Brian Blade. lovesupremefestival.com moers-festival.de JazzBaltica Gent Jazz Festival Kerava Jazz Festival Timmendorfer Strand, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany Ghent, Kerava, June 22–24 June 29–July 8 May 25–27 JazzBaltica takes place right next to the Founded in 2002, this festival in northwest This festival has prospered by present- Baltic Sea and offers concerts at the beach. Belgium presents jazz legends and rising stars. A free open-air program is also offered. ing a lineup of avant-garde, free-jazz and LINEUP: Jason Moran & Bandwagon, Am- spiritual jazz for the past two decades. LINEUP: Nils Landgren, , Paolo Fre- brose Akinmusire, Pharoah Sanders with su, Donny McCaslin, Candy Dulfer, Eva Kruse, LINEUP: Rob Mazurek Chicago/London Under- Nicholas Payton, Vijay Iyer Sextet, Dan ground, Svenska Kaputt “Suomi” project. NDR Bigband, , Ulf Wakenius. Weiss, Melanie De Biasio, Paolo Conte, NHUDYDMD]]Ɠ jazzbaltica.com Kandace Springs, Jef Neve, Igor Gehenot. gentjazz.com NattJazz Jazz Fest Wien , Norway Vienna, Austria May 25–June 2 June 26–July 10 Montreux, Switzerland Founded in 1972, this festival focuses This festival features 12 concert stag- June 29–July 14 on folkloric and contemporary jazz. es in landmark venues like the Vienna This festival, which takes places on the State Opera, as well as local jazz clubs. LINEUP: /Peter Bernstein/Bill shores of Lake Geneva, presents jazz, Stewart, Fire!, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, LINEUP: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Thomas blues, rock and other genres. Three large Sam Amidon, Angles 9, Erlend Apneseth Quasthoff, Caro Emerald, , venues (Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux Trio, Woody Black 4, Lucia Cadotsch, Cortex, Randy Crawford, Kris Kristofferson, others. Jazz Club, Montreux ) showcase Charlotte Dos Santos, Frode Haltli Avant Folk, viennajazz.org the headliners, and free concerts provide David Helblock’s Random/Control, Régis Huby, opportunities for emerging artists to shine. , Lana Trio & Sofia Jernberg, Istanbul Jazz Festival LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Magic Spirit Quartet, ’s Acoustic Istanbul, , , , Unity, Nils Okland Band, Rohey, Zap Mama. June 26–July 17 , , Kraftwerk. natjazz.no The 25th edition of this festival will present montreuxjazzfestival.com

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 127 LINEUP: Kurt Elling, Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, , Gregory Porter, Joshua Redman, Terence Blanchard, Vi- jay Iyer, Billy Hart, Stefano Bollani, Roy Hargrove, Alfredo Rodriguez, Mingus Big GENT JAZZ FESTIVAL Band, Pedrito Martinez, Joey Alexander, , Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso, Kyle Eastwood, Melody Gardot, , Massive Attack, , The Chainsmokers, umbriajazz.com

Aarhus Jazz Festival , July 14–21 Festival venues include the Aarhus Concert Hall, clubs, museums and conservatories. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Gent Jazz Festival in Ghent, Belgium Pierre Doerge, , Herbie Hancock. jazzfest.dk

Kongsberg Jazz Festival Jazzopen Stuttgart Jazz à Juan Kongsberg, Norway Stuttgart, Germany Juan-les-Pins, France July 4–7 July 12–22 July 14–22 This festival presents avant-garde and Pat Metheny performed at the inau- The 58th edition of this festival will once again mainstream jazz acts, as well as poetry. gural edition of Jazzopen Stuttgart in have a spectacular setting. The main open-air arena has tiered seating with the stage back- LINEUP: Gregory Porter, Trio, Chick 1994, and he will return this year. ing on to the beautiful bay of Juan-Les-Pins. Corea Akoustic Band with Marius Neset, LINEUP: Marcus Miller, Pat Metheny, Jamie Clashes (Skomsvoll/Hidle/Kornstad/Ensemble Cullum, Jason Moran & Bandwagon, Christian LINEUP: Chick Corea, Marcus Mill- Allegria), Erlend Apneseth Trio, Stein Torleif McBride’s New Jawn, Gregory Porter, Stanley er Youn Sun Nah, others. Bella, Charlotte Dos Santos, Gurls, Tom Ibarra, Clarke, Quincy Jones, GoGo Penguin, Michael jazzajuan.com Juno, Goran Kajfe’s Subtropic Orchestra, Wollny, Catherine Russell, Moon Hooch, Omer Ola Kvernberg, Trio, Stenson/ Avital, Allan Harris, Chico Freeman, Kraftwerk. Jazz Christensen/Ljungfist, Hedvig Mollestads, jazzopen.com Pori, Finland Marius Neset & London Sinfonietta. July 14–22 kongsbergjazz.no North Sea Jazz Festival The 53rd edition of the festival will of- , The fer a wide array of international stars Jazz Festival July 13–15 and the best of Finnish talent. The main Copenhagen, Denmark This massive festival showcases numerous shows take place on several stages in the July 6–15 styles of jazz, as well as funk, soul, salsa, beautiful Concert Park. The 40th edition of one of the world’s blues and gospel. Programming includes LINEUP: Vijay Iyer Sextet, R+R=NOW (Robert largest jazz festivals takes place in ven- clinics, an educational program and the Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde ues all across the Danish capital. presentation of the Paul Acket Award for Adjuah, Taylor McFerrin, Derrick Hodge & LINEUP: Jeff , Brad Mehldau, Melody an artist who deserves wider recognition. Justin Tyson), GoGo Penguin, Carla Bley, Gardot, & Michel Camilo, others. LINEUP: Sons of Kemet, Snarky Puppy, Fred Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Mavis Staples, jazz.dk Hersch Trio, Marcus Miller, R+R=NOW (Robert Yazz Ahmed, James Blunt, Jessie Ware. Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde SRULMD]]Ɠ Lugano Estival Jazz Adjuah, Taylor McFerrin, Derrick Hodge & Mendrisio and Lugano, Switzerland Justin Tyson), Gregory Porter with Metropole 0ROGH,QWHUQDWLRQDO July 6–7, July 12–14 Orkest, Pat Metheny (with Antonio Sanchez/ Jazz Festival This open-air, free-admission festi- Linda Oh/Gwilym Simcock), Joshua Redman , Norway val presents 15 concerts of jazz, world with Billy Hart Quartet, Hudson, Angelique Ki- July 16–21 music, rock and other genres. djo & Ibrahim Maalouf, Pharoah Sanders Quar- This festival, which was founded in 1961, LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included tet, Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, Stanley Clarke is located by a fjord with a beautiful view Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Vinicio Capossela. Band, Kurt Elling Quintet with Marquis Hill, The of hundreds of mountaintops. The festival HVWLYDOMD]]FK O’Jays, Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers & Chic. presents more than 100 free and ticketed QRUWKVHDMD]]FRP concerts in eight indoor and outdoor venues. Bohemia JazzFest LINEUP: Maria Schneider, Stanley Clarke Band, Prague, Czech Republic Umbria Jazz R+R=NOW (Robert Glasper, Terrace Mar- July 9–17 Perugia, Italy tin, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Taylor Beginning in Prague’s historic Old Town July 13–22 McFerrin, Derrick Hodge & Justin Tyson), Square, this traveling, free-admission festival The Santa Giuliana Arena serves as home Hudson, Donny McCaslin, Allison Miller’s Boom (founded in 2006) also presents outdoor to the main events of this festival, now in Tic Boom, Matana Roberts, , performances in the Czech cities of Pilsen, its 45th year. Special concerts take place Cezinando, Iiro Rantala/Ulf Wakenius, The Big Liberec, Domazlice, Tabor and Brno. at the Morlacchi Theatre, and midday Yes, Four Brothers, Knut Reiersrud Band, Gurls, LINEUP: Mike Stern/Randy Brecker, Bill Frisell concerts will take place at the prestigious Trondheim Jazzorkester & The MaxX, Paal Quartet, House of Waters, Enrico Rava, more. National Gallery of Umbria. There is also a Nilssen-Love XL Unit, Ola Kvernberg, Trond- ERKHPLDMD]]IHVWFRP full program of free outdoor concerts. heim Voices, Amanda Delara, Fieh, Ingebjørg

128 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018

Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival Ystad, Sweden Aug. 1–5 This fest includes 40 concerts in 12 venues, all within walking distance in the medieval

©LUTZ VOIGTLAENDER town center of Ystad. There will be a spe- cial concert on Aug. 5 at Ale’s Stones. LINEUP: Paolo Fresu, Manhattan Transfer, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Youn Sun Nah, Lizz Wright, Nils Landgren, Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Wolfgang Haffner Band, Claire Martin, Jim Mullen, Almaz Yebio, . ystadjazz.se

Gouvy Jazz & Blues Festival Gouvy, Belgium Aug. 3–5 This fest, celebrating its 39th anniversary, Marius Neset at Jazzfest Bonn in Germany offers jazz and blues. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include Bratland, Torhild Ostad/. Heineken Jazzaldia Chico Freeman, , Rhoda Scott. .no San Sebastian, Spain madelonne.be/festival July 25–29 )HVWLYDOGH-D]]GH9LWRULD*DVWHL] The Heineken Jazzaldia (aka the San Sebas- Jazz Middelheim Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain tian Jazz Festival) is the longest-running jazz Antwerp, Belgium July 17–21 festival in Spain and one of the oldest in Aug. 9–12 For more than four decades, this festival has Europe. This year’s edition will be the 53rd. The Jazz, pop and rock are all part of this festival, presented world-class jazz. Organizers of this festival offers a mix of ticketed concerts and now in its 37th year. There also will be event seek to present unique collaborations. free, open-air shows, with more than 100 acts. workshops and an artist-in-residence. LINEUP: Cory Henry, Hudson, Mingus Big LINEUP: Gregory Porter, Brad Mehldau, Chick LINEUP: Kamasi Washington, Melanie De Biasio, Band, Joel Frahm, Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Corea, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Carla Bley, Dave Philip Catherine, FONS feat.. , Camila Meza, Seamus Blake, Carla Bruni, Holland with Chris Potter & Zakir Hussain, Jazz Orchestra, more. Leanne Faine & Favor, Kool & The Gang. Kenny Barron, R+R=NOW (Robert Glasper, MD]]PLGGHOKHLPEH jazzvitoria.com Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Taylor McFerrin, Derrick Hodge & Justin Tyson), Nisville Jazz Festival Nice Jazz Festival Benny Green, Jacob Collier, Caetano Veloso. Nis, Nice, France KHLQHNHQMD]]DOGLDHXV Aug. 9–12 July 17–21 Jazz, blues and soul will dominate six main A mainstay of the French Riviera jazz Llandudno Jazz Festival stages and a clutch of smaller venues. scene for 70 years, this center-city fest Conwy, Wales LINEUP: & , In- showcases performers on two stages at July 27–29 ner Circle, Matt Bianco, Darko once. There is a total of six stages. This festival in a seaside resort town high- Rundek & Apocalypso, more. LINEUP: See website. Previous performers lights key jazz figures on the U.K. scene. nisville.com include George Benson, Stéphane Grappelli. LINEUP: Gilad Atzmon & Orient House, Iain Bal- nicejazzfestival.fr lamy & Huw Warren Duo, Roger Beaujolais’ Full Jazz Festival House Trio feat. Jim Mullen, Claire Martin, Sara Oslo, Norway Hull Jazz Festival Oschlag featuring Alan Barnes, Dean Masser. Aug. 11–18 Hull, Yorkshire and Humber, England llandudnojazzfestival.com International jazz stars, a festival poet, pop-up July 19–21 concerts, film screenings and local perform- The 26th edition of this festival will feature Jazz em Agosto ers are on the menu for this jazz festival. some of the U.K.’s most exciting jazz talent. Lisbon, Portugal LINEUP: Tom Harrell, Jacob Collier, Sidsel Endre- LINEUP: Vimala Rowe & John Etheridge, July 27–Aug. 5 sen & Jan Bang, , Bugge Wes- Denys Baptiste Quartet, Camilla George. To celebrate the 35th edition of Jazz em seltoft, Rebekka Bakken, James Morrison & The MQLJKWRUJ Agosto, the Gulbenkian Foundation will Brazz Brothers, British United Vibrations, Torun present a “Special Edition” program fully Eriksen, Four Freshmen, Hovedeen Social Club. Langnau Jazz Nights dedicated to composer ’s musical oslojazz.com Langnau, Bern, Switzerland universe, with 22 concerts and five films. July 24–28 LINEUP: John Zorn, Masada, Mary Halvor- Roccella Jazz Festival Over the last 27 years this festival has son Quartet, Julian Lage & Gyan Riley, Kris Roccella Ionica, Italy impressed with an international lineup. Davis Quartet, Trio, Thurston Aug. 12–22 With its incorporated jazz workshop, it is a Moore, Craig Taborn, Milford Graves, Ikue Jazz clinics, main-stage concerts and popular meeting point for musicians from Mori, Brian Marsella Trio, Marc Ribot, Dave fringe events will take place in a 3,000- all over Europe and the United States. Douglas, Barbara Hannigan, Mathieu Amalric, seat open-air amphitheater, a 16th-cen- LINEUP: Christian McBride’s New Jawn, Stephen Gosling, Simulacrum, Highsmith tury convent, a 17th-century chapel Brad Mehldau Trio, Billy Hart Quartet Trio, Insurrection, Trigger, , and a modern marina in Roccella. featuring Joshua Redman, Bokanté. Asmodeus, The Hermetic Organ, others. LINEUP: & Eliane Elias Duo, MD]]QLJKWVFK jazzemagosto.pt Mattew Shipp Trio, Baba Sissoko, Dweezil

130 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 Zappa, Genti Rushi Quartet, Enzo Pietropaoli, Scarborough Jazz Festival Baloise Session Santi Scarcella, Debora J. Carter, Rosalia De Scarborough, England Basel, Switzerland Souza Quintet, Dean Bowman/Hamid Drake/ Sept. 28–30 Oct. 19–Nov. 6 Daniele Sepe, Ray Gelato & The Giants. Programming for the 16th annual edition of For the past 33 years, major stars have been roccellajazz.org this fest includes big bands and tributes to coming to this festival, which features jazz, , Peggy Lee and . soul, blues, world music and other genres. Saalfelden International Jazz Festival LINEUP: Gareth Lockrane Big Band, Atlantic LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included Sallfelden, Austria Crossover, Alan Barnes Octet, Woody Black , Kool & the Gang, Imelda May. Aug. 23–26 4, Leila Martial, Dave Newton & Alan Barnes, EDORLVHVHVVLRQFK Last year this festival featured 187 artists Stan Sulzmann’s Neon Orchestra, more. from 28 nations performing 37 concerts. MD]]VFDUERURXJKVSDFRXN Jazzfest Berlin LINEUP: Shabaka Hutchings with Shake Berlin, Germany Stew, Ulrich Drechsler, Marc Ribot. International Festival of Nov. 1–4 jazzsaalfelden.com Contemporary Music This festival, which was founded more than 50 Venice, Italy years ago, has featured numerous interesting Koktebel Jazz Party Sept. 28–Oct. 7 venues, including a church and an arts academy. Koktebel, Russia Pianist will perform and receive LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included Aug. 24–26 the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Shabaka & The Ancestors, Tyshawn Sorey, Nels For 15 years, this event on the Black LINEUP: Keith Jarrett, Victor Wooten Trio, Se- Cline, Ambrose Akinmusire, Michael Wollny. Sea that has brought together jazz en- bastian Rivas, Mivos Quartet, Charlotte Testu. berlinerfestspiele.de thusiasts from many countries. labiennale.org/en/music/2018 LINEUP: See website. Past performers include ()*/RQGRQ-D]])HVWLYDO Jimmy Cobb, Tom Harrell, Igor Butman. Akbank Jazz Festival London, England en.koktebel-jazz.ru Istanbul, Turkey Nov. 16–25 Oct. 17–28 One of the U.K.’s landmark musical celebrations, Jazz Festival Willisau Launched in 1991, this festival includes con- the EFG London Jazz Festival brings the best and Willisau, Switzerland certs, panels, workshops, film screenings and freshest music to the streets, clubs and concert Aug. 29–Sept. 2 social-responsibility projects (akbankcaz.com). halls of London. It features world-renowned mu- Contemporary European jazz, pop and folk are the LINEUP. See website. Last year’s artists in- sicians and emerging stars from across the globe. key ingredients in this festival, founded in 1966. cluded Chucho Valdés & Gonzalo Rubalca- LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included LINEUP: See website. Past performers include ba, & Marius Neset Duo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kneebody, Robert Anthony Braxton, . Trio, Mark Guilliana. Glasper, , Dayna Stevens. MD]]IHVWLYDOZLOOLVDXFK akbankjazzfestival.com efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 131 OTHER INTERNATIONAL

KL International Jazz & Arts Festival Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia September (Dates TBD) The biggest jazz festival in Kuala Lumpur presents concerts in clubs, a theater at the University Malaya and other venues. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour, Tinho Pereira. LAURADE KWANT PHOTOGRAPHY klinternationaljazz.com

Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival Aruba Sept. 21–22 This event will feature more than 20 performances in a beautiful setting. See website. Past performers include Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival LINEUP: Marcus Miller, Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker. caribbeanseajazz.com Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival Marjorie Whylie, Freddy Loco,June Thompson, Saint Lucia, Caribbean others. Jarasum International Jazz Festival May 6–13 RFKRULRVMD]]MDFRP Gapyeong, South Korea This festival will offer ticketed concerts, Oct. 12–14 educational events and free shows. Devonport Jazz This festival, now in its 15th year, typ- LINEUP: AZIZA (Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Devonport, Tasmania, Australia ically includes about 15 venues. & Eric Horland). R+R=Now July 26–29 LINEUP: See website. Past performers include (Robert Glasper, Christian Scott aTunde Celebrating 17 years, this fest showcases jazz Joshua Redman, Mike Stern, Chucho Valdés. Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Justin Tyson, Taylor and blues in a series of special events, dances, jarasumjazz.com McFerrin & Terrace Martin), Jazzmeia Horn, dinners and concerts. Alfredo Rodriguez, Etienne Mbappe, others. LINEUP: SKETY and others; see website. Dominican Republic Jazz Festival stluciajazz.org devonportjazz.com Punta Canta, Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and Cabarete, Dominican Republic Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues Festival Savassi Festival Oct. 28, Nov. 1–4 Rio das Ostras, Brazil Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janerio, Brazil Now in its 22nd year, this festival presents May 31–June 3 Aug. 3–11 free concerts at several locations. FEDUJAZZ, The 15th edition of this fest will present con- Held at various venues throughout beautiful the non-profit educational organization of certs on three stages around the beautiful Belo Hoizonte, this festival has a strong focus the fest, presents a host of workshops. landscape of Rio das Ostras. (Also, on Sept 7–9, on educational events and workshops as well LINEUP: See website. Past performers include the festival will have a special edition at as musical performances. Anat Cohen, Esperanza Spalding, Sean Jones. Rio de Janeiro for the first time.) LINEUP: Frederico Heliodoro, Felipe Villas-Boas, drjazzfestival.com LINEUP: Stanley Jordan, Vanessa Col- Juarez Moreira, Louise Woolet, Duo Desvio, others. lier, Leon Beal, Azymuth, others. savassifestival.com.br Jazzmandu riodasostrasjazzeblues.com Kathmandu, Nepal Nov. 1–6 Melbourne International Jazz Festival Eilat, Israel For more than 15 years, Jazzmandu (The Melbourne, Australia Aug. 26–28 Kathmandu Jazz Festival) has booked June 1–10 The 32nd edition of this festival will once outstanding musicians for this fest, high- Founded in 1998, this festival features more again feature multiple concerts every evening, lighting Nepali and other musical traditions. than 100 shows at over 30 venues. In addition as well as clinics and nightly jam sessions. LINEUP: See website. Past performers include to ticketed concerts, programming includes See website. Previous performers the Claudia Quintet, Trilok Gurtu, Ari Hoenig. free events and educational workshops. LINEUP: include Catherine Russell, Dr. Lonnie Smith. jazzmandu.com , Madeline Peyroux, LINEUP: en.redseajazz.co.il , Sun Ra Arkestra, others. Wangaratta Festival of melbournejazz.com Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival Jazz & Blues Willemstad, Curaçao Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia Jamaica Ocho Rios International Aug. 30–Sept. 1 Nov. 2–4 Jazz Festival Over the course of eight years, this has grown This festival presents a diverse, eclec- Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & Kingston, Jamaica to be the biggest music event in the Carribean. tic mix of jazz greats and rising stars. June 3–10 LINEUP: Spyro Gyra, Michel Camilo Trio, LINEUP: See website. Last year’s artists included This event includes concerts, workshops, Jason Derulo, Carlos Vives, Silvestre Dangond, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Ian Moss, a school band competition and more. Sean Paul, others. Jon Cleary, Spiderbait, Katie Noonan. LINEUP: The Jamaica Big Band conducted by FXUDFDRQRUWKVHDMD]]FRP wangarattajazz.com

132 DOWNBEAT MAY 2018 MAY 2018 DOWNBEAT 133