SOUNDS OF MARDI GRAS (Fresno, CA) – July 8-11
YES…IT REALLY IS HAPPENING. Fresno Dixieland Society will hold their annual Sounds of Mardi Gras Festival in a couple of weeks on July 8-11, 2021. The event will be held as usual at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center. Linda is busy talking to bands and many of your favorites will be returning. The DoubleTree has health guidelines which we will follow for the safety of all attendees. Sponsorships are the mainstay of any festival but this year even more so. We hope you will support our festival with your attendance and if able, your generous contributions.
All the usual parades and events are being planned to include: Parasol Parade, Masquerade and Costume Parade, Putting on the Ritz Parade and Friday night Swing Dance and Saturday Night Mardi Gras Party. The themes for the Putting on the Ritz Parade is “Forties Hollywood Glamour” and the theme for the Friday Night Swing Dance is “High School Class Reunion.” Past Kings and Queens of Fresno Mardi Gras will be everywhere, recognized by their colorful sashes.
Come, Listen, Dance and meet up with your festival relatives that you have not seen since Feb 2019. Very soon, more information such as tickets, sponsorships and how to make festival rate reservations will be at www.fresnodixie.com. Hope to see you there. Laissez le bon temps rouler……Let the good times roll. Fresno Dixieland Society Board Keep checking in at www.fresnodixie.com for any new details.
CLINE WINE & TRADITIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Sonoma, CA) – August 29
The Cline Wine & Traditional Jazz Festival will be August 29th from 1-5pm. Due to the current times, we will be doing a mini-festival this year with a scaled back schedule of events and two bands (Royal Society Jazz Orchestra and Devil Mountain Jazz Band) to give folks an opportunity to get out for some live music.
Call (707) 940-4025 or (800) 546-2070; visit www.clinecellars.com for reservations and winery information.
EVERGREEN JAZZ FESTIVAL (Evergreen, CO) Cancelled
THE 2021 EVERGREEN JAZZ FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELED. At its April meeting, the Evergreen Jazz Festival Board of Directors voted to cancel the 2021 festival. Said president Jeannie Mann, “The uncertainty of state and county Covid restrictions simply makes it impossible to commit to our usual intimate venues and up-close- and-personal format.”
She added that the board will be exploring the possibility of streaming a series of live performances featuring many of the great bands from previous Festivals… “all leading up to a very special 2022 event!” Check the festival website www.Evergreen Jazz.org for updates and to subscribe to the festival newsletter.
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].
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.
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
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) Rescheduled September 30 – October 3
French Quarter Fest 2021 has been rescheduled from it’s normal April week. It will now be September 30 – October 3. 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. A full schedule can be found on their website. frenchquarterfest.org
COLORADO SPRINGS JAZZ PARTY (Colorado Springs, CO) October 1st-3rd
Musicians scheduled for the cancelled 2020 jazz party included Syncopated Times favorites Adrian Cunningham, Dani Alonso , Danny Coots, Alfonso Horne, Dennis Litchman, Richard Moten, Nate Najar, Nicki Parrott, Ben Polcer, Alex Raderman, Chuck Redd,, Dalton Ridenhour, and Rossano Sportiello. A similar lineup is expected this year. 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!
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
Rescheduled from its normal time in the spring, 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
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.
Badge sales: PO Box 356, Pismo Beach, CA 93448; 805-539-5696. For badges and more information, please visit pismojazz.com. Information: [email protected].
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 guest Dan Levinson, 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.
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) – Nov. 5th-7th
Many amazing artists have been invited back for 2021. An impressive list of themed sets is already posted on their website.
For tickets and other information, please visit whitleybayjazzfest.org; [email protected].
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. 24-28
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)
