Thu 6/25-Sat 6/27
When Tri-C JazzFest returns for its 47th year on June 25-27, with new executive director Orlando Wilson serving his first year in the position, concertgoers at Playhouse Square will have the chance to see one of the most diverse lineups the festival has ever presented.
As usual, Tri-C JazzFest will include three days with 10 ticketed concerts inside various Playhouse Square theaters, plus two full days of free outdoor activities, including a big outdoor stage, at the intersection of East 14th and Euclid Avenue.
The concerts kick off on Thursday June 25 with percussionist Sheila E., known for both her work with Prince and her own chart-topping hits, at the State Theatre.
On Friday June 26, concertgoers will be able to choose from a full evening of shows, starting with JazzFest regular trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, who will perform with Jon Thomas. Veteran funk-jazz band Spyro Gyra; vocalist/composer Durand Bernarr with Hubbs Groove doing a tribute to Cleveland’s Levert; and jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and pianist Fred Hersch performing material from, Elling’s Wildflowers album also perform on Friday.
Saturday’s concerts include bassist Ron Carter’s Foursight quartet; drummer Chris Dave and the Drumhedz founk/soul/gospel/hip hop/jazz ensemble, featuring Stokley; rising vocalist Laurin Talese; the Nicholas Payton Trio featuring John Patitucci and Brian Blade; and legendary 70s funk hitmakers from Dayton, the Ohio Players.
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