36th ELKHART JAZZ FESTIVAL (Elkhart, IN) – June 20-23
Since 1988, jazz legends and fans have gathered each summer at the Elkhart Jazz Festival which combines warm, intimate, small-town hospitality with the excitement of big-city jazz. Known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World, Elkhart companies employ nearly 2,000 skilled craftsmen in the production of musical instruments.
Scheduled this year are: Adam Hawley, Alex Anest’s “Organ” Trio, Bria Skonberg, Bryan Eng’s Trio, Christopher Lucas Wilson, Cohen-Rutkowski Project, Connie Han, Couch, Dave Bennett Quartet, David Hilliker’s Jazz Trio, Dean’s List, Emily Cavanagh, Emma Hedrick, Eric Jacobson, Generations Trio, Huntertones, Ilya Serov, Isabella Isherwood, Jazz Assemblage, Joe Marcinek Band, Julieta Eugenio, Kait Dunton Band, Keb’ Mo’, Kinga Glyk, Kris Brownlee, Lucia Sarmiento, New Breed Brass Band, Paul Decker & The Difference, Q Sonics, Rafael Chávez Trio, Rebecca Jade, Scott Allen, Stella Cole, Steven Perry Quartet, The Frost Duo, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, The Nth Power, Third Shore Collective, Truth in Jazz, VibeNation, and the Zac Zinger Group For ticket pricing visit elkhartjazzfestival.com; tickets: (574) 293-4469; festival info: (574) 218-6477.
ROCHESTER JAZZ FEST (Rochester, NY) – June 21-29
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. Held annually in Rochester, NY, more than 200,000 music fans attend the nine-day Festival, which presents 320+ shows 20+ venues with more than 1750 artists from around the world. The 2024 Club Pass Series will feature 216 sets of music at 12 venues in downtown Rochester. More information is forthcoming at www.rochesterjazz.com.
SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Syracuse, NY) – June 26-30
With special events at many venues around downtown and free headliners at Clinton Square the Syracuse Jazz Festival is a premier event for the city. Of particular interest to Syncopated Times readers will be appearances by Catherine Russell, Gunhild Carling, the Freda Payne Big Band, James Carter Quintet, The O’Jays, Marissa Mulder & Jon Weber, and Tish Oney’s Salute to Sarah Vaughan. More info is available at syracusejazzfest.com
EVERGREEN JAZZ FESTIVAL (Evergreen, CO) – July 26-28
The 2ist Evergreen Jazz Festival is set for July 26, 27, and 28. Known for its beautiful Rocky Mountain setting and up-close-and-personal atmosphere, the event will feature five intimate venues, each offering a unique listening experience. Invited bands currently include After Midnight, Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra, Holland-Coots Swingin’ West, Queen City Jazz Band with Wende Harston, Jeremy Mohney and his Band, Your Father’s Mustache Band, Chicago Cellar Boys and Espresso! Dancers are welcome at all venues! For details and tickets, visit www.EvergreenJazz.org or call 303-697-5467.
BIX BEIDERBECKE JAZZ FESTIVAL (Davenport, IA) – Aug. 1-3
Hot Jazz will return to the Upper Mississippi River next year during the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival. On August 2, 2024, there will be even more music aboard the Celebration Belle, with Matt Tolentino’s Iowans playing on the main deck while T.J. Müller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs perform on the upper deck.
The Jazz-O-Maniacs will also perform at the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival, which takes place August 1-3 at the Rhythm City Casino in Davenport. Groups playing for the first time at the festival are Mike Davis’ New Wonders, Paul Asaro & his Rhythm, and the El Dorado Jazz Band. Festival favorites the Chicago Cellar Boys, Graystone Monarchs, and the Bix Youth Band complete the band lineup.
Scheduled musicians include: Andy Schumm, David Boeddinghaus, Steve Pikal, Jeff Barnhart, Dave Kosmyna, and Natalie Scharf (who was interviewed for the September issue of The Syncopated Times). Also, four musicians will be performing at the Bix Jazz Festival for the first time in 2024: guitarist Jacob Alspach, trombonist Brandon Au, bassist Mikiya Matsuda, percussionist /vocalist Gina DeGregorio, and Grammy nominee/multi-instrumentalist Colin Hancock.
In addition to the sets at the Rhythm City Casino and the Riverboat Cruise, specially-assembled jazz bands will perform at the Putnam Museum in Davenport on Thursday, August 1 and at Bix Beiderbecke’s gravesite on Saturday, August 3.
Check the Bix Jazz Society’s website for updates, to purchase tickets, and for information regarding area lodging: www.bixsociety.org.
HISTORIC SUTTER CREEK RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Sutter Creek, CA) – Aug 9-11
Once again, the tantalizing strains of Ragtime, Early Jazz and Boogie Woogie Music will fill the streets and venues at the 26th annual Historic Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival, in the beautifully well-tailored gold rush town of Sutter Creek in California’s Sierra Foothills.
This Historic Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival runs for 3 days, Friday thru Sunday, August 9-11. Festivities start at 4 pm on Friday afternoon and end on Sunday afternoon after the finale concert. Music is performed at five venues along main street, which includes 2 special concerts highlighting the performers. And of course, we hope to have Silent Movies with piano accompaniment at the Auditorium this year. There is almost always after hours jamming at the hotel and other venues as well.
Badges can be purchased on the website, by mail or when you arrive in town for the festival. Please refer to the festival website for this year’s prices, including admission for individual events. www.historicsuttercreekragtimefestival.com or call 209 304-0835.
MEDFORD TRAD JAZZ FESTIVAL (Medford, MA) — Aug 24-25
The second annual Medford Trad Jazz Festival is a free community celebration featuring nine New England-based traditional jazz bands across two days. This year’s festival of ragtime, hot jazz, stride, New Orleans, and other early jazz styles will take place August 24 and 25 at the Medford Condon Shell from 11 AM – 3 PM. Saturday’s lineup includes The Rubin Brothers, The Catnip Junkies, The Wolverine Jazz Band, and Annie and the Fur Trappers. The festivities move indoors in nearby Arlington for an open jam at the Donut Villa Restaurant’s backroom from 5:30-8pm. On Sunday, the festival kicks off at 11 with The Seacoast Revival, followed by 2-bit Jazz Band, The Riverboat Stompers and The Smack Dabs. Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones close out the festival.
For more information, visit medfordtradjazzfestival.com
HOT JAZZ JUBILEE (Sacramento, CA) – August 30 – Sept. 2
Join Us Labor Day Weekend 2024 for Sacramento’s Premier End of Summer Celebration! Hot Jazz Jubilee will return to the DoubleTree Hotel from August 30 to September 3, 2024.
Featuring: Auchestra, Brass Nickel, Carl “Sonny” Leyland Trio, Parker & the Weis Guys, Shaymus Hanlin Quartet, Stephanie & Paolo, Crescent Katz, Todd Morgan and the Emblems, Tom Rigney, Groovus, Dave Bennett Quartet, Yve Evans & Company, High Street Band, and Katie Cavera & Her Lost Boys …plus more to be announced.
Tickets are on sale now, check back here for further updates. hotjazzjubilee.com; P.O. Box 2931, Carmichael, CA, 95609, USA. info@hotjazzjubilee.com
25th Annual PENTASTIC HOT JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Penticton, BC) – Sept. 6-8
Situated between two lakes in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Pentastic Hot Jazz is celebrating its 25th year. As “the best Jazz Party in the Northwest”, the three day Pentastic HOT Jazz Festival brings world class jazz bands and performers to Penticton from Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8, 2024.
The line up this year includes Tom Hook and the Hounds, Dave Bennett Quartet, Dave Bennett and The Memphis Speed Kings, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Professor Cunningham and His Old School Band, and more to be scheduled. There are four venues that are close together although a free shuttle is available for all those that wish to use that service. All venues are non smoking and dancing is encouraged.
Tickets are NOW on sale! Tickets for the event are $85.00 (Friday), $105.00 (Saturday), $85.00 (Sunday) and three day festival tickets are $160.00. For further information, visit Pentastic online at www.pentasticjazz.ca, or call toll-free 1-866-599-3494. Purchase tickets online at www.valleyfirsttix.com.
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA RAGTIME AND AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL (Orbisonia/Rockhill Furnace, PA) Sept. 12-15
GREAT NORTHEAST JUG BAND FESTIVAL (Arlington, MA) Sept. 27-28
REDWOOD COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL (Eureka, CA) – Oct. 3-6
This year’s festival, which takes place in Eureka, California, boasts seven venues: Hagadone Stage at Eureka Municipal Auditorium, Chevron & George Petersen Insurance Stage at The Adorni Center, Pierson Building Center Stage at The Sequoia Center, The Eagle House Stage at The Inn & 2nd and C, Sun Valley Group Stage at Morris Graves Museum, and two performance stages at The Red Lion Hotel (which is the home base of the festival). All venues have food, bars, and dance floors—with complimentary shuttles between venues.
Featuring: Americana, Hot and New Orleans Jazz, Swing, Blues, Western Swing, Zydecco, Rockabilly, and Country, 40 Bands, and 100 sets of music, TST readers will find many of their favorites in the mix. Artists of special interest to TST readers include: Joel Paterson Trio, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Carl Sonny Leyland, Dave Bennett & The Memphis Speed Kings, Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang, Jonathan Stout’s Campus Five Featuring Hilary Alexander, Casey MacGill, Matt Munisteri, Jon-Erik Kellso, Katie Cavera and The Lost Boys, Cornet Chop Suey, Miss Jubilee & The Yas Yas Boys, The Western Flyers, Clint Baker’s Jazz Band, Hal Smith’s El Dorado Jaz Band, John Reynold’s Hollywood Hotshots, Holland Coots Jazz Quintet, Dawn Lambeth, The EarRegulars, Dave Stuckey’s Hoot Owls, Jonathan Doyle Swingtet, Brian Casserly, Mikiya Matsuda’s Alcatraz Islanders, Dan Barrett, Alice Spencer, The Mortonia Seven, The St Louis Steady Grinders, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, Marc Caparone’s Back O’Town Allstars, Ray Skjelbred, Kris Tokarski, Dennis Lichtman, Josh Collazo, TJ Muller, Andy Schumm, Groovus, Nate Ketner, Nice & Easy, Redwood Dixie-Gators, and the Fresh Water Jazz Band.
Please write admin@redwoodjazz.org with questions. Find payment options and other information online at www.rcmfest.org. Please check the hotel page to see if there are ticket packages available from official festival hotels. Special combination packages may be available.
SUN VALLEY JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Sun Valley, ID) – Oct. 16-20
Idaho’s Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival covers five days and offers excellent bands in five venues at the Sun Valley Resort, plus free community concerts in Ketchum Town Square. Performing this year are Hot Jazz Collective featuring: Greg Varlotta, Jerry Krahn, Kevin Congelton, Terry Myers, Russ Phillips, Jamie Roberts, Bobby Durham, and Jason Wanner. Tom Hook & the Hounds featuring Tom Hook, Bobby Durham, Pat Gulotta, Davy Jones, and Eddie Metz. Also appearing will be Clint Baker, David Bennet, Matty Bottel, Brian Casserly, Sherri Colby, Josh Collazo, Shaymus Hanlin, Nate Ketner, Carl Sonny Leyland, Sam Rocha, Tom Rigney, Rob Verdi, Professor Cunningham and His Old School, Summer Groove Party Band (High Street Party Band), Blue Street Jazz Band, and the Kings of Swing.
Tickets are available by telephone (877) 478-5277 or on our website; sunvalleyjazz.com.
ROSWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Roswell, NM) – Oct. 23-27
Previous years have included over 30 popular classic jazz artists in the jazz party format. Tickets for the 17th annual festival will go on sale in September; for more information visit roswelljazz.org, email jazzroswell@gmail.com, or telephone 505-359-4876.
34th annual ARIZONA CLASSIC JAZZ FESTIVAL (Chandler, AZ) – Oct 31-Nov. 3
Scheduled performers: Howard Alden, Cheryl’s Vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson & Katie Cavera, St. Louis Stompers, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Holland-Coots Jazz Quintet, Groovus, Sentimental Breeze, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, WE 3 + 1 (Patrick, Lansford, Pesce, Early), Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine JazzBand, ACJS JAMMERS.
“Afterglow” event to be held in the San Tan Ballroom 6 – 8 pm. MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS With ACJF
Must purchase the buffet to attend. $40 per person. Please send a separate check with notation “Afterglow”
Cash bar for alcohol.
For details, including hotel blocks, 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. 1-3
The globe’s foremost gathering of specialist Classic Jazz musicians and fans; a three-day concert series featuring live music of a rarely heard quality and authenticity, performed by a truly international roster of world-class performers. Held over a long weekend from midday on Friday until late on Sunday evening, the Party takes the form of a series of special themed concerts chosen and curated by the musicians themselves and drawn from the canon of the first 40 years of jazz.
Themes this year include: A Centenary Celebration: Bix and The Wolverines, After the Armistice: Jass in London 1919-23, Pleasure Mad – Charlie Creath and Dewey Jackson, Futuristic Rhythms – Irving Mills’ Hotsy Totsy Gang, The Red Heads and Ukulele Ike, A Rhythmic Dream: Fletcher Henderson, Modernism in Mayfair: The Piccadilly Revels Band, Mamie Smith’s Jazz Hounds, Clarence Williams’ Blue Five, Creole Trombone: The Music of Kid Ory, Roger Wolfe Kahn’s Orchestra, Boyd Senter, Vic Meyers, Lil Armstrong, Early Bennie Moten, Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, The Two Bright Boys: Cecil Scott and Lloyd Scott, Thomas Morris, Bobby Hackett & the Singers, Gene Austin, Benny Goodman’s Rhythm Makers Orchestra, and A Battle of the Bands: Duke Ellington vs Luis Russell
Artists include: Trumpet – Andy Schumm (USA), Malo Mazurié (France), Mike Davis (USA), Enrico Tomasso (UK), Torstein Kubban (Norway), Jon-Erik Kellso (USA). Reeds – Lars Frank (Norway), Lorenzo Baldasso (Italy), Michael McQuaid (UK), Natalie Scharf (USA – new for 2024) David Horniblow (UK), Richard Exall (UK). Trombone – Alistair Allan (UK), Graham Hughes (UK), Charlie Halloran (USA – new for 2024). Piano – Andrew Oliver (USA), David Boeddinghaus (USA), Morten Gunnar Larsen (Norway), Ulf Johansson Werre (Sweden – new for 2024!). Guitar & Banjo – Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK), Martin Wheatley (UK), Félix Hunot (France), Curtis Volp (UK – new for 2024). Brass bass & string bass – Phil Rutherford (UK), Henry Lemaire (France), Harry Evans (UK). Drums & Percussion – Nicholas D. Ball (UK), Josh Duffee (USA), Richard Pite (UK). Violin – Emma Fisk (UK). Vocals – Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK), Nicolle Rochelle (France).
At the end of each day, musicians and audience relax and enjoy themselves at the legendary after-hours jam sessions in the hotel’s bar, often going on into the wee small hours.
The concerts take place in 4-star luxury, with audience members being assigned to cabaret seating of 8 to a table. A twice-daily rotation system is in place to ensure that everybody gets a good view. For tickets and other information, please visit whitleybayjazzfest.com; wbjazzfest@btinternet.com.
SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) – Nov. 22-24
JAZZ FEST AT SEA (Caribbean) January 17-27, 2025
If you are a fan of Swing, Dixieland, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Traditional Jazz, in fact just about any style which emerged during the first half of the 20th century, plan to attend JazzFest at Sea – presented in a private jazz club atmosphere limited to 200 guests! Our cruise will be departing roundtrip Miami to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic and Ocean Cay on the MSC Divina for 10-nights of jazz and fun.
Scheduled artists include Allan Vaché – clarinet, Terry Myers – tenor sax, Houston Person – tenor sax, Davy Jones – cornet, Dave Bennett – clarinet, Mike Francis – piano, Kris Tokarski – piano, Jim Fryer – trombone, Jake Jones – guitar & banjo, Jon-Erik Kellso – trumpet, Mark Shane – piano, Danny Coots – drums, Charlie Silva – bass, Paul Keller – bass, Ricky Malichi – drums, with Vocalists Banu Gibson and Yve Evans.
Call us for more information! 1-800-654-8090 or visit www.JazzFestatSea.com
NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL (Wilmington, NC) – Feb. 6-8
Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our 45th North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. We will fill your evenings with exciting performances by some of the greatest traditional jazz musicians from around the globe!
Thursday Night Showcase: Gregg Gelb will headline the 45th annual opening night’s Special Event.
Friday and Saturday Nights: All evening concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are held at the Hotel Ballast ballroom. We will continue our celebration with All-Star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. You will see/hear many of our favorite NCJF musicians plus new additions to our lineup. You will not want to miss this exciting 45th annual North Carolina Jazz Festival! These will be 4 ½ hour concerts. Scheduled musicians include Adrian Cunningham, Bruce Harris, Chuck Redd, Dion Tucker, Herman Burney, Jonathan Russell, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Nate Najar, and Rossano Sportiello.
Patron Brunch: On Saturday from 10:30 until 2pm we treat our patrons to a musical brunch, when all of our All-star musicians play for their pleasure while everyone enjoys a delicious brunch. During the last hour we have a “jam” when the patrons who are musicians have the opportunity to play with the All-stars. Fun for all!
Ticket are $65 for Thursday, and $65 for Friday & Saturday. Each night $25 military, $15 students. Patron tickets are $215, for the Friday and Saturday evening concerts plus the special patron brunch at 10:30 Sat. morning. Patrons receive preferred, reserved seating plus their names in the program. The $240 patron tickets include all of the above plus tickets to Thursday evening’s Special Event. Tickets may be purchased from the festival website.
For more information visit www.ncjazzfestival.org, e-mail ncjazzfest@yahoo.com, or call (910)-399-6596.
AHOY VINTAGE CRUISES: Matt Tolentino and his Orchestra (Southampton, UK – New York, NY) May 16-23, 2025 / Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra (Southampton, UK – New York, NY) Sept. 26-Oct. 3, 2025
Ahoy Vintage Cruises is celebrating 100 years of Art Deco with two exclusive trans-Atlantic crossings. We will start off with a few days touring era-influenced sites in Paris, the birthplace of Art Deco in 1925. After a quick jaunt in London, we’ll board the iconic RMS Queen Mary 2 for a seven-night crossing.
Each crossing, departing from Southampton and arriving in New York City, features a renowned orchestra playing Deco-era music for nightly dances.
Enjoy dining, drinking, and dancing your way across the Atlantic in the delightful Deco style. Live your best vintage life for this trip. Is it 1925 or 2025? It’s a dream come true. ahoyvintagecruises.com
