Fri 6/27 @ 3PM
Sat 6/28 @ 3PM
With everything happening on one weekend and in one location for the first time this year, Tri-C JazzFest has added another element to make the event even more like a real festival.
In addition to the concerts taking place in the various PlayhouseSquare theaters, starting at 3pm Friday and Saturday, there’ll be live entertainment on the U.S. Bank Plaza at E. 14th and Euclid, provided by some of the best musicians in northeast Ohio — and not just jazz players either. The lineup includes rock, salsa, blues, jam, gospel and soul.
On Friday, the Tri-C JazzFest Summer Camp musicians kick things off at 3. They’ll be followed by more young musicians — the Cleveland School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble, and Backstage Politics, the winners of this year’s High School Rock Off.
At 5:45, there’ll be a welcome from Tri-C President Dr. Alex Johnson and an informal second-line procession through PlayhouseSquare featuring musicians and Parade the Square puppets.
The Alan Green Blues Band, Second Nature with guitarist Dan Wilson, “jamtronica” band Broccoli Samurai, and Latin jazz percussionist Sammy DeLeon (pictured) y su Orquestra will provide a full evening’s worth of music
Saturday opens with gospel group Lafayette Carthon and Faith, followed by folk rockers Bethesda, Samba Joia, Horns & Things, Blu Monsoon, jazz trumpeter Dominick Ferinacci and, closing the evening, neo-soul ensemble Wesley Bright & the Hi-Lites.
The outdoor stage is all about keeping it loose and informal — there will be a dance floor, and Saturday night, swing dancers will be doing their thing. Hang out before or after a theater show you’re catching, or just come down to be part of the fun. It’s all free.
Go here for lineup and times.