Jazz Fests in Full Force Again!

Jazz fans are flocking to jazz fests again after some of the big events had to halt over the past couple years due to the pandemic. The 45th Atlanta Jazz Fest (Memorial Day Weekend) in Piedmont Park and the Capital Jazz Fest (June 3-5) at Merriweather Post Pavilion in the DC metro attracted thousands of music lovers rolling in both venues ready to rumble with great music and family fun. Many festivalgoers remained COVID cautious by wearing masks and doing their best to practice social distancing. Vendors were in full force selling beautiful art, jewelry, clothing, and food at both events.

The Atlanta Jazz Fest was free and hosted by the Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major headliners included Herbie Hancock, Tia Fuller, Davis Sanchez, Eddie Palmieri, Kenny Barron Quartet, and more! In addition to the show stopping performances, the event featured Jazz 101 – an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience up close and personal conversations with performing artists. Additionally, youth attendees had the opportunity to learn about African percussion from Russell Gunn and engage with KUUMBA storytellers in the Kid’s Zone. Storytellers also read books from the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program.

The 29th Annual Capital Jazz Fest also featured a great lineup that included The String Queens, Ledisi, Maysa, Musiq Soulchild, Common, Deborah Cox, Chaka Khan, Jeffrey Osborne, and Damien Escobar. While tickets were for sale for this big event, it was worth every penny for many fans who say it’s great to get out again and fellowship with family and friends while enjoying the best of jazz and R&B!