All That Jazz: Enjoy Performances This Month at Several Midtown Venues
Where You Can Celebrate the 46th Edition of the Atlanta Jazz Festival
05/01/23
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of North America’s largest free jazz festivals, attracting some 200,000 fans to Piedmont Park over Memorial Day Weekend. But there’s much more to this festival than the big three-day concert to close out the month of May. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is produced by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA).
“The key to the success of this event every year is access to quality music from emerging talent, local talent and legends who are pure jazz musicians,” said OCA Executive Director Camille Russell Love. “And the staff loves the work we get to do to build the Atlanta Jazz Festival into a must-see event.”
Let’s preview the “31 Days of Jazz,” a citywide collection of jazz performances, with several prominent Midtown venues getting in on the act:
There’s Jazz on the Plaza …
Midtown Alliance’s outdoor music series returns to Arts District Plaza at Peachtree and 15th Streets on Tuesdays in May. Come out and enjoy the street-level scene from 5-7pm, featuring vendors + more. This FREE event is supported by Colony Square. Details.
… And There’s Jazz in the Sky.
Sorry, dear reader. We’ve learned Colony Square’s unique jazz offering atop their roof in a more intimate - and elevated - setting is now sold out. If you’re among the lucky few to snag a ticket, please send photos!
You’ll Also Find Jazz at the High …
The event on Friday, May 19 features two areas where musicians will play throughout the evening, layering notes and improvising melodies. Plus, head to the galleries to explore the High’s works on view. Ticket info.
… Not to Mention Jazz in the Garden.
Stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, sip cocktails and enjoy music performed by students in KSU’s jazz program on Friday, May 26 from 5-8:30pm. Ticket info.
And Don’t Forget Jazz at the Midtown MARTA Station.
The evening commute is brighter on Monday, May 22 with MARTA’s contribution to 31 Days of Jazz. Enjoy a FREE performance out on the Midtown station plaza between 4-6pm. Details.
Plus, ASO Has Your Ticket to See Russell Gunn and the Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra on May 26.
The Apollo Theater’s sold-out production of The Blues and Its People is coming to Atlanta. Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of “Blues People: Negro Music in White America” by Amiri Baraka, the show features Blues, Jazz, and Gospel music performed by Russell Gunn and the 26-piece Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra. Special guests include: Warren Wolf, Jazzmeia Horn, Miles Griffith, Leon Timbo, Weedie Braimah, and jessica Care moore. Ticket info.
A Treasured City Program and Must-See Event Since 1978
The Festival’s mission is to celebrate and explore the rich heritage and variety of Jazz as an authentic form of American music. The program originated in 1978 during Maynard Jackson’s tenure. Mayor Jackson’s imperative was to ensure that all Atlantans could enjoy high-quality cultural experiences.
Volunteer Opportunity: Want to get involved with the Festival?
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is seeking volunteers to work shifts at the festival’s water stations and to survey patrons about the event. Learn more by emailing: jazzteers@atlantaga.gov.
