Thu 6/26-Sat 6/28
When Tri-C’s annual JazzFest presents its 35th edition next year, it will have a whole new look and vibe.
Instead of being spread over most of two weeks in April — National Jazz Month — and taking place at Tri-C and other venues around town, the festival will run from Thu 11/26-Sat 11/28. And all the events will take place at PlayhouseSquare theatres, as well as outside on Star Plaza.
In addition to the new dates and venues, JazzFest has announced that bassist Christian McBride (pictured) will be its artist-in-residence, presenting a performance with his trio as well performing his big-band charts for which he won a Grammy.
Other performers will include the Sean Jones Ensemble, Jon Scofield & his Uberjam band with Trombone Shorty opening, Eddie Palmieri’s salsa orchestra, Cleveland-based percussionist Jamey Haddad Global Drum, vocalist Gregory Porter, Ernie Krivda’s Fat Tuesday Band playing the charts of Oliver Nelson, Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias, drummer Teri Lyne Carrington and her quartet, an evening with bassist Marcus Miller and “smooth jazz” saxophonist Dave Koz, Mexican singer-guitarist Raul Midon, and bassist Dave Holland with Kevin Eubanks on guitar.
This year, JazzFest is offering a full festival pass which admits bearers to pick nine concerts and get access to all ten. The pass is available for $250 (a $445 value) through December 23. Go here to get more information and purchase.
The festival also announced a couple of other programs.
Nighttown, which has regularly presented JazzFest events in the past, will have monthly JazzFest Nights from January through May, with artists like Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Janis Siegel, and Amina Figarova.
And the festival isn’t entirely abandoning its April time slot. It will mark National Jazz Month through educational programming at Tri-C including performances by high school jazz ensembles and other student groups, and an appearance by Christian McBride and his trio.
Go to Tri-C JazzFest’s web page for info and updates.