The Festival Roundup August 2021

CLINE WINE & TRADITIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Sonoma, CA) – CANCELLED

The two band mini festival scheduled for August 29th has been cancelled.

Call (707) 940-4025 or (800) 546-2070; visit www.clinecellars.com for reservations and winery information.

Explore Upbeat Records

NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL (Newport, RI) July 30th-August 1st

Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, Newport Jazz will be doing things a little differently this year. Focusing on creating three intimate days of amazing Jazz performances and surprise collaborations at Fort Adams – July 30th to August 1st. Of intertest to TST readers, Catherine Russell, Wynton Marsalis and Trombone Shorty are scheduled as are a score of other groups and artists. www.newportjazz.org

50th Annual BIX BEIDERBECKE MEMORIAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Davenport, IA) August 5-7

The 2021 Bix Fest will present what we hope you’ll agree is one of our best line-ups ever, so far we have Andy Schumm and the Chicago Cellar Boys, Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles, NOLA Jazz Band, Josh Duffee’s ALL-Star Graystone Monarchs Band, The Mortonia Sextet led by Hal Smith and Dave Bennett, for their 16th appearance the Cakewalkin’ Jazz Band, Miss Jubilee from St. Louis, the Southside Aces of Minneapolis, and the Bix Youth Band. Ticket information and hotel info will be available on our newly remodeled website later this spring.

 For more information visit www.bixsociety.org; call (563) 324-7170 or email at [email protected].

UpBeat Records

23rd Annual HISTORIC SUTTER CREEK RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Sutter Creek, CA) August 13th-15th

Scheduled artists; Paul Orsi, Carl Sonny Leyland, Michael Chisholm, ​Frederick Hodges, Elliott Adams, Matt Tolentino, Brian Holland, Danny Coots, Paul Stewart, Stevens Price, Anthony Sarginson, John Remmers, Julia Riley, Patrick Aranda, and The Easy Winners.

The website has been updated with current info and the pricing will remain the same as last year. We will be headquartered at the Auditorium City Hall this year and will have a few other venues throughout the town as usual.  I believe that this year will be perfect weather too!

(209) 304-0835, [email protected], historicsuttercreekragtimefestival.com.

MIKE’S JAZZ GATHERING  (Denver, CO)  September 11, 2021

This one day gathering will be in the mile high city with beautiful mountain views.  There will be four local bands who are known from many festivals around the country.  Performing will be the Queen City Jazz Band, After Midnight, La Pompe, Joni Janek & Centerpiece Jazz.  This one-of-a-kind event will be at the Radisson Hotel in Aurora, CO from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Bring your dancing shoes as there is a large dance floor!  Afternoon session is $20, evening session is $20, all day will be just $40.  For more information and to register contact Mike Wilson at [email protected].

HOT JAZZ JUBILEE (Postponed to 2022)

The Hot Jazz Jubilee Board of Directors met recently, and, after lengthy discussion and much weighing of pros and cons, the decision was reluctantly made to postpone the 2021 festival to 2022. Watch out! We will be back and so will all those wonderful Musicians and Bands, as promised! (Yes, they have already put us on their calendars!) So mark YOUR calendars for Labor Day weekend, September 2nd-5th, 2022! In the meantime, stay safe!! hotjazzjubilee.com

PENTASTIC JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Penticton, BC, Canada) Cancelled

The 24th Annual Jazz Festival is scheduled for September 10, 11, and 12, 2021 has been cancelled. We will return in 2022.

For further information, visit Pentastic online at www.pentasticjazz.com, or call toll-free (866) 599 3494. Purchase tickets online at www.valleyfirsttix.com.

Nauck

REDWOOD COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL (Eureka, CA) September 30th – October 3rd

The Redwood Coast Music Festival, which normally takes place in the spring, has been moved to the fall for this year. 4 days, 8 Stages, 40 Bands, and 100 Live Sets are planned. Scheduled artists: Curtis Salgado, Dale Watson & The Lone Stars, Duke Robillard, Jontavious Willis, Michael Doucét, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Joel Paterson Trio, Carl Sonny Leyland, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang, Katie Cavera, Clint Baker’s Jazz Band, Marc Caparone’s Back O’ Town All Stars, Lizzie & The Triggermen, The Jazzologists, Gator Nation, Dawn Lambeth, Cornet Chop Suey, Dave Stuckey’s Hoot Owls, Paula Jones, James Mason, Hal Smith’s Swing Central, Gino & The Lone Gunmen, Brian Casserly, Kris Tokarski Quintet, Dan Barrett, Jonathan Doyle Swingtet, Josh Collazo, Twilight Drifters, Nate Ketner, Two Tone Steiny & The Cadillacs with Danny Sandoval, Jenni & David & The Sweet Soul Band, Dan Walton’s Jump Swing Imperials, The Delta Nationals, The Uptown Kings, Andy Schumm, Jacob Zimmerman, Silver Bell Jazz Band, The Yokels, Nice & Easy, Rooster McClintock, Buckin’ String Band, Freshwater 450, The Reunion Jazz Band, Canary & The Vamp, and Kingfoot.

(707) 445-3378; [email protected]rcmfest.org.

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL (New Orleans)  CANCELLED

French Quarter Fest 2021 had been rescheduled from it’s normal April week to September 30 – October 3. But it has now been cancelled. The French Quarter Festival  is a free event with several stages around the French Quarter and scores of local bands, many of which play traditional jazz. As a jazz tourist it is one of the best times to visit the city.  frenchquarterfest.org

Steve Pistorius Southern Syncopators at French Quarter Festival
Steve Pistorius Southern Syncopators at French Quarter Festival New Orleans 2019

COLORADO SPRINGS JAZZ PARTY (Colorado Springs, CO) October 2nd & 3rd

Musicians scheduled for the 2021 jazz party include Syncopated Times favorites Adrian Cunningham, Danny Coots, Dennis Litchman, Richard Moten, Nate Najar, Nicki Parrott, Ben Polcer, Alex Raderman, Chuck Redd,, Dalton Ridenhour, and Rossano Sportiello. Call 719-471-3124 for reservations. Mail check to P.O. Box 2257, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. csjazzparty.com

JAZZ FEST AT SEA (Caribbean) October 3rd-10th 2021

If you’re a fan of Traditional Jazz, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Swing, in fact just about any style which emerged during the first half of the 20th century, plan to attend JazzFest at Sea – one of the premier jazz cruises of the year. We will be departing from Port Canaveral, Florida for an amazing jazz cruise to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean on the MSC Divina for 7-nights. Not only will you have your choice of amazing evening performances on our jazz cruise, but you are also invited to the afternoon sessions as well. All presented in an intimate jazz club atmosphere limited to 250 guests! Scheduled artists:

Allan Vaché, Houston Person, Warren Vaché, John Allred, Scott Robinson, Danny Tobias, Banu Gibson, Ted Rosenthal, Bob Draga, Yve Evans, Charlie Silva, Paul Keller, Brian Holland, Eddie Metz,  and Jim Lawlor

With pricing starting at only $999 per person including taxes and fees, this makes the perfect vacation getaway for all jazz lovers. Contact us today at 1-800-654-8090. www.jazzfestatsea.com

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL (New Orleans, LA) October 8-10th & 15-17th CANCELED

Rescheduled for  its normal time in the spring, April 29th through May 8th, 2022. The big event will bring people to the city during a very comfortable and exciting month. Jazz Fest is much more than what is happening at the Fairgrounds, the city comes alive with music for nine days. Bands to be announced. www.nojazzfest.com

2ND ANNUAL GLENN JENKS RAGTIME REVUE   (Camden, ME)

The Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue returns to honor the life and legacy of Camden’s own ragtime pianist and composer, Glenn Jenks. Hosted by Aaron Robinson, performers include Ethan Uslan, DaPonte String Quartet, young fiddler Owen Kennedy, singer-dancer Susan Boyce, vocalists Erin Chenard and David Myers, Jr. and the Ragtime Revue Chorus. Benefits Glenn Jenks Musical Scholarship. For wheelchair accommodation, please email dernest (at) camdenmaine.gov or call (207) 236-3154. Comfortably distanced seating; mask use requested in the building. Tickets available at www.camdenoperahouse.com

SUN VALLEY JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Sun Valley, ID) – Oct. 13-17

Sales limited to 1,500 Five-Day Passes

The 31st anniversary edition of Idaho’s Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival covers five days and offers bands from all around the U. S., with over 180 shows to choose from. It will be headquartered at the Sun Valley Inn at the Sun Valley Resort. Performance venues include the Limelight Ballroom, the Continental Room, the Opera House, the Duchin Bar, Satchmo’s, Village Gate and Ketchum Town Square. Music starts on Wednesday at 3:30 pm, and the last set ends on Sunday at 3:30 pm, with an Afterglow Dinner offered on Sunday evening (extra ticket required).

Performers at the festival include Clint Baker’s Hot Jazz w/ Katie Cavera, Blue Renditions, Blue Street Jazz Band, Sherri Colby’s Racket Makers, Bob Draga w/ Friends, Boise Straight Ahead, Bruce Innes Trio, Carl Sonny Leyland & Friends, Carolyn Martin Swing Band, Clint Baker’s Hot Jazz w/ Katie Cavera, Gator Nation, GROOVUS/Holland & Coots, Hallelujah Chorus w/ Yve Evans & Carole King, Shaymus Hanlin Quartet, High Street Party Band, Hot Jazz Collective, Bruce Innes Trio, Kings of Swing, Jerry Krahn Quartet, Midiri Brothers Septet, Pearl Django, Professor Cunningham & His Old School, Side Street Strutters w/ Meloney Collins, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, U. S. Coast Guard Dixie Band, Yve Evans & Co., Brian Casserly, Josh Collazo, Bobby Durham, Tom Hook, Davy Jones, Marilyn Keller, Terry Myers, Russ Phillips and Gary Ryan.

Special sets include: Banjomaniacs, three All Star Big Bands, Clarinet Clambake, Dance Through the Decades, Dueling Pianos, Free Dance Lessons, Gospel Services, Grand Finale, Hall of Fame Legends Series w/ multiple artists’ salutes, Ladies Sing, Pianorama, Patriotic Set, Rhythm & Blues and Zydeco Hurricane.

Extra ticketed events include: Festival Kickoff Roaring 20’s Party—costumes welcome! (Tues. 6:30-9:30 pm, $30*), Intimate Private Party with Tom Hook & Friends (Sat. 12:30-2:00 pm, $60*), Intimate Private Party with Yve Evans & Co. w/ special guest Shaymus Hanlin (Sat. 3:30-5:00 pm, $60*). The Tom Hook Private Party scheduled for Thursday is sold out. Afterglow Dinner (Sun. 7:30-10:00 pm, $75*)

Early Bird Special Five-Day General Admission Pass is $185* through June 30. Beginning July 1, the pre-purchase price is $205* through Oct. 4. If available, the at-the-door price will be $230*.
*plus 10% tax

Tickets available by telephone or at website; (877) 478-5277; sunvalleyjazz.com. Write for brochure (with full ticket pricing information) at Sun Valley Jazz, PO Box 2745, Sun Valley, ID.

ROSWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Roswell, NM) – Oct. 13th-17th

We’re already putting the wheels in motion for 2021 RJF events. Invited artists include; Allen Vache, Ehud Adsherie, Harry Allen, Dan Barrett, Roger Dickerson, Larry Fuller, Charles Gordan, Michael Francis, Eddie Metz Jr., Chuck Redd, Ricki Malachi, Houston Person, Richard Simon, Hillary Smith, Randy Sandke, Johnny Varro, and Rossano Sportiello.

Please call or write for more information: (505) 359-4876 or (575) 808-9336; roswelljazz.org; email: [email protected].

JUBILEE BY THE SEA (Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande) – Oct. 21st-24th

The Basin Street Regulars, hosts of the Jubilee by the Sea, have been hosting wonderful monthly online events. Follow them on social media to learn about the fall festival as announcements are made. The October Festival will feature: Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Barrelhouse Wailers, Blue Street, Creole Syncopators, Crescent Katz, C.J. Sams Jammers, Gator Nation, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, High Street Jazz Band, The Sierra Seven, Mariachi Autlence, Midiri Brothers Septet, Cornet Chop Suey, Groovus plus Cunningham, Holland Coots Swingin’ West, Molly Reeves Quartet, Professor Cunningham and His Old School, Riptide Big Band, & Larry, Dawn and Friends

Badge sales: PO Box 356, Pismo Beach, CA 93448; 805-539-5696. For badges and more information, please visit pismojazz.com. Information: [email protected].

32n annual ARIZONA CLASSIC JAZZ FESTIVAL (Chandler, AZ) – Nov. 4-7

The only major festival to go off as planned during the pandemic the ACJF will be back this fall. Bands may include: Howard Alden, B.A.D. Rhythm, Dick Maley’s WYSIWYG, Cheryl’s vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson and Katie Cavera, Groovus, Queen City Jazz Band, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, We 3 +1, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine Jazz Band, and the St. Louis Stompers.

Howard Alden, “Big” B.AD. Rhythm, Brian Holland, Andy Weiss, Danny Coots, Sam Rocha, Cheryl’s Vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson & Katie Cavera, Queen City Jazz Band, Big Little Ragtime Band, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Groovus, St. Louis Stompers Classic Jazz Band, Sentimental Breeze, Something Doin’, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, Dick Maley’s WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Leader: Dick Maley, drums; Herb Bruce, trombone; Steve Pikal, bass; Randy Morris, piano, WE 3 + 1 (Patrick, Lansford, Pesce, Early), Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine Jazz Band, ACJS JAMMERS.

For details, go to azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941. Send checks or credit card orders to ACJF, 10918 E. Michigan Ave., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

MIKE DURHAM’S INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC JAZZ PARTY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK) – Delayed to 2022

We are very sorry to announce that the 2021 Classic Jazz Party is being postponed until November 2022. All of us on the organising committee have really tried to stay optimistic through the summer, hoping that the Covid-19 situation would quieten down now, but with cases once again on an exponential rise, the chances of us putting on a safe festival have gone down by the day.
The continuing travel restrictions mean we would not have been able to bring you the “international” part of the Classic Jazz Party with musicians from overseas, and it is financially better for us to cancel now rather than risk the plug being pulled closer to November with any potential restrictions/lockdowns being brought back in.
Everyone at the jazz party knows how disappointed you will be to read this. We were really encouraged by the amount of you who asked us to hold on to your ticket money from 2020 (which feels like a lifetime ago) but we are just going to have to hope that next year will bring us the wonderful music we have all been missing, and a long-overdue chance to pay tribute to our friend Keith Nichols.
As with last year, we are happy to refund your ticket money in full, or we will hold on to it for 2022. To obtain a refund, please write to us at [email protected], telling us how many places you’d like refunded and how you paid. We will also be in touch with everyone directly to double-check everyone’s wishes. This will be a big task, so please be patient if you don’t hear from us initially.
Please contact the village hotel directly to sort cancellation and refund questions. The best number for this is 0191 270 6491. Do make sure you speak to someone who is actually at the Village Hotel, as we found a few people had problems sorting refunds when they were directed to the national central booking line last year who didn’t know about the jazz party.

We are aiming to host the 2022 festival around the same time, with the first weekend in November pencilled in. Let’s pray to the jazz gods that it can finally happen!

For tickets and other information, please visit whitleybayjazzfest.com[email protected].

WEST COAST RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Online Event) Nov. 19-21st

The 35th annual West Coast Ragtime Festival will take place November 19 – 21st, 2021!  Due to the on-going uncertainties with the pandemic, the festival is planning a full 3-day on-line festival only that weekend.   We’ll miss all of you in person, but hope that you can tune in during our festival weekend to a full program of special shows and concerts for you to enjoy on-line.  Further detailed information about our programs will be posted in the Fall.   We sincerely hope that we can resume the in-person festival in November, 2022.

For more  information, please visit: www.westcoastragtime.com

SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) – Nov. 19-21

Professor Cunningham & His Old School, Dave Bennett Quartet, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Ed Metz Trio with Rossano Sportiello and Nicki Parrott, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Bill Allred and The Suncoast Festival Allstars – Johnny Varro, Allan Vache, Davy Jones, Jay Mueller and Eddie Metz, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Heather Thorn and Vivacity, La Lucha, Diego Figueirdo, Nate Najar, Daniela Soledade, Bakey and Betty, Betty Comora and Mike Evans, Amateur Jams with Dr. Jim Gover and His Naples Pals, Cat’s Meow, Swing Dance Lessons, and More To Be Announced!

For tickets and information, visit us online at suncoastjazzfestival.com; or write: PO Box 395, Largo, FL 33779; (727) 248-9441.

39th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO JAZZ FEST (San Diego, CA) – Nov. 26-28

There will be a lot to be thankful for this November! Invited bands and artists include; Dave Bennett Quartet, Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang, Gino & The Lone Gunmen, High Society Jazz Band, Katie Cavera & the Lost Boys (feat. Clint Baker & Dawn Lambeth), Mission Bay High School Preservationists, Mad Hat Hucksters, Sierra 7 Jazz Band, Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra, Titanic Jazz Band, and the Uptown Rhythm Makers. With Special Appearances by: Stephanie Trick, Night Blooming Jazzmen (feat. Chet Jaeger) and more bands and artists yet to be announced!

Contact: AFCDJS, P.O. Box 880387, San Diego, CA 92168-0387; 619-297-5277.
Email: [email protected]; Website: http://www.sdjazzfest.org/

2022 Announced Dates

Jan. 13-23 Tucson (AZ) Jazz Festival

Feb. 3-5 North Carolina Jazz Festival (Wilmington, NC)
Feb. 25-27 San Diego Jazz Party (Del Mar, CA)

March 4-6 Jazz Bash by the Bay (Monterey, CA)

April 8-10 Three Rivers (CA) JazzAffair

June 1-4 Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival (Sedalia, MO)

Sept. 2-5 Hot Jazz Jubilee (Sacramento, CA)

Joe Bebco is the Associate Editor of The Syncopated Times and Webmaster of SyncopatedTimes.com

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