Jacksonville Jazz Festival
What started out as a one-day, free event in Florida in 1980 has turned into an impressive festival, one of the country’s largest, almost 30 years later.
More than just strictly a jazz festival, this event also boasts the Great American Jazz Piano competition, which takes place at the start of the fest. The winner of that gets to play a featured set at the festival, held yearly in Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park.
Wine lovers also have the rare opportunity to not only sample some of the more than 50 featured wines at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, but also speak with representatives from the highlighted wineries. That makes it a double-bonus weekend for devotees of jazz and wine – always a winning combination, anyway. In addition to good drink and good music, good food is served as well at the festival’s traditional Sunday morning brunch.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festivals has spotlighted a variety of categories from straight-up jazz – the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Chick Corea – to the smoother side of things with David Sanborn and Chris Botti.
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
Now in its 28th year, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival offers jazz lovers a premier reason to travel to the beautiful state of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Not too far out of Portland, the base of majestic Mt. Hood serves as setting for the festival, located in Gresham, Oregon, on the campus of Mt. Hood Community College.
Held in mid-August, the Mt. Hood Jazz festival has certainly seen its share of jazz legends take the stage. Those that have performed at the event that first started back in 1982 include: Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, The Crusaders and Buddy Rich, among others.
The Mt. Hood Adventures in Jazz series also brings in musicians from outside the region to play at various venues in Portland throughout the year.
Telluride Jazz Celebration
Talk about your scenic backdrops.
Located in the middle of the breath-taking San Juan Mountains, the Telluride Jazz Celebration cannot be matched in the landscaping department.
Mountain range above, gorgeous Beer Creek and San Miguel River below – that makes for an amazing setting to listen to jazz.
As such, this festival is definitely for the nature lover. Camping spots are available for those who really want to take advantage of all Telluride, now in its 33rd year of hosting a jazz fest, has to offer. Early June is usually when the Telluride Jazz Celebration is held. A jam-friendly jazz festival, Telluride welcomes an eclectic roster, featuring bands like Licorice, Ozomalti, Benvento-Russo Duo, Rebirth Brass Band and the Jimmy Herring Band.
The festival’s Jazz after Dark series takes over the nearby Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theater.
By: Lennox Marshall
There are many parts of Florida that, through no fault of their own, are often overshadowed by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, simply because of the peerless nightlife that can be found in these cities. Jacksonville is one such city; it is Florida’s largest, and has a huge number of activities and attractions, but you rarely hear it mentioned in the same breath as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or even Orlando. There’s really no reason for this, other than its comparatively remote location, and serious Florida travelers should consider visiting, as you will never run out of things to do in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville offers shops and restaurants that rival those found in any other part of Florida, has twenty miles of Atlantic coast, several championship golf courses, and a handful of state parks to explore. Having an abundance of both city and outdoor attractions means that Jacksonville is a fantastic vacation destination. For those who enjoy shopping (as well as historic districts), check out the Avondale/Riverside district on the north bank of the St. Johns River. There is also a quaint shopping district in San Marco Square, south of the river. If you seek more cultural/educational destinations, Jacksonville has those in spades as well – check out the Jacksonville Historical Center and the Jacksonville Maritime Museum. If you enjoy music, you’re in luck, because Jacksonville hosts the second largest jazz festival in the nation.
If there is one thing you should go to Jacksonville for, it is the Jazz Festival. They have so many fantastic musicians all in one place, it’s really a must see for jazz fans. Last year, the highlight for me was undoubtedly Herbie Hancock performing with Marcus Miller on bass and one of my favorite up-and-comers on guitar, Lionel Loueke. One of the best things about the festival is that it is by no means only for aficionados. Many people get there first real exposure to jazz at this festival, and end up loving it for the rest of their lives. It’s really worth it if you can make it – the 2007 festival runs from April 12-15.
But, how best to get to Jacksonville for the festivities? Why, it shouldn’t surprise you that a limousine is the preferred mode of transportation for anyone in Florida. Limousines enhance any pleasurable experience, so keep Mirage in mind when you head to the festival this coming April!
By: Nicholas Jurkowski