Visit Jacksonville

208 North Laura St. Jacksonville, FL 32202

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Christine McFaul Public Relations Director (561) 503-6695 c.mcfaul@unf.edu Jacksonville Jazz Festival JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 23, 2013 - Summer has arrived, as 100,000 Jazz lovers from all over the world will come to enjoy the annual Jacksonville Jazz festival. The second largest jazz festival in the nation, is taking place in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville Memorial Day weekend. The Jazz Festival marks the beginning of summer, said Katie Kurycki, director of marketing and product development, at Visit Jacksonville. This local tradition has been running for 34 years, beginning in Mayport Village in 1979, and involvement increases each year. The Jazz Festival will kick off on Thursday, May 23 at The Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. Admission for this festival is free and takes place at 117 West Duval St. The festival will feature live performances from Jazz artists such as Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Poncho Sanchez, Rachelle Ferrell with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Yellowjackets, said Patty Jimenez, Communications Manager at Visit Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is one of the best in the nation, said Jimenez, they are one of Jacksonvilles jewels so for them to participate in the festival and collaborate with a hugely popular pop performer really brings them to another level and puts their name and talent out there for a whole new audience to discover. The performances Friday, May 24, through Sunday, May 26, will be held on multiple stages in a walkable, street festival setting. VIP Packages and Preferred Day passes are available.

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You are enjoying some of the best Jazz performers in the world for free in the middle of the street right next to the beautiful St. Johns River in great weather and in this amazing city, what is not to like? said Jiminez. Other components of the festival include events such as Art in the Heart Downtown Art Show & Sale, Youth Jazz Talent Showcase, exhibits, clinics and much more. Festival highlights include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, Round Midnight Jazz Jams, and a Sunday Jazz Brunch.

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