post-quarantine: all that jazz (& festivals)

So I know we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and we are all without a doubt quarantined in our homes under the shelter-in-place policy, so you’re probably wondering how on earth this article might be of use for you at this time?

truthfully, it’s not. However, I’ve realized what harm will it do to keep this list when you’ve had your share of Netflix binges & awful sleep schedules from not seeing the light of day for months (or year as predicted), to coming to the other side of this with our minds & bodies ready to explore & relive life as we once remembered.

Well, I figured this pandemic is going to subside eventually and this makes use for a good time once the chaos and this anxiety-ridden catastrophe is over– for good. That is if we remember how to have fun, that is.. And I know that my audience ranges from age teens to older adults, but no body said jazz is only for one page group? I mean how awesome would it be for more people my age (early/ mid 20’s) to be exposed to the gift of jazz? I wish that’s where the direction of our generation’s music would head, but I won’t hold my breathe.

Anyhow, I was watching a the documentary Quincy, which you can read about here on my article review if you’re interested, and the talk about jazz festivals. And it dawned upon me… why don’t I share this with you guys here? I mean who wouldn’t like to indulge in great company and great music?

Given that these events are subject to change due to COVID-19, below are some of the biggest (local) festivals that you may have you in mind when the time comes:

Rochester International Jazz Festival
October 2-10, 2020
Established in 2002 and presented by M&T Banks, Rochester International Jazz Festival takes place in June every year in Rochester, New York.
They do host free shows / events which you can find more about here.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 22- May 2, 2021
New Orleans is known for its rich and lively culture. And of course, for it’s strong culture in jazz since New Orleans is the birth and home of jazz.
New Orleans “Jazz Fest” was given its name due to the local unaffiliated night clubs in the area during the festival weekends. I’d absolutely love to one day attend this festival, and would definitely make this the top of my list. You can keep updated on their website here.

Montreux Jazz Festival
2020 cancelled; TBA
The Montreux Jazz Festival is held annually in July and takes place in the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
At my work at KJazz, we host seasonal sweepstakes where listeners can win a trip to amazing locations to witness & enjoy all that we call Jazz.
I’ve been told these festivals are magical, you can learn more about them here (might want to translate to English) and if interested tune to KJazz 88.1FM to sign up for sweepstakes when they are available.

Chicago Jazz Festival
August 28- September 26, 2020
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a four-day celebration of jazz located in Millennium Park in the loop area of Chicago.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is produced by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC). Best part, admission is FREE.

Newport Jazz Festival
2020 Cancelled, TBA
The Newport Jazz Festival is a music festival held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island.
You can search their site here for updates on the next Newport Jazz Festival.

Black Sea Festival
And lastly, I know this might be a reach, but I thought it would be worthwhile to share anyway.
The Black Sea Jazz Festival is an international jazz festival held annually, traditionally in July, in Batumi and nearby locations on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, which, along with Tbilisi Jazz Festival, is one of the country’s main jazz events. These festival is one of the biggest in the world mostly because of it’s location which is on the Black Sea. great music & a view? life’s gotta be good.