Attention, jazz music lovers: no need to lug a suitcase to Chicago or Detroit when you can get your fill of blue notes right here in Grand Rapids. No matter what your vacation plans are this summer, be sure to stick around for the weekend of August 17th and 18th for the second annual GRand Jazz Fest at Rosa Parks Circle. If you thought last year’s festival was great, you’re going to love the line-up this year. If you missed last year’s fabulous fest, don’t make the same mistake twice. Grab your lawn chair and head to downtown GR for a weekend of fantastic, free music. The price of admission doesn’t get any better than this.
Who’s On at the GRand Jazz Fest 2013:
Hot Headliner
Headlining the festival this year is baritone jazz guitarist Nick Colionne. If you like funky jazz with a whole lot of soul, sit back and enjoy Colionne as he pours out one of his famous eclectic live performances for you.
Swinging Quintet
If you like an ensemble with a swinging instrumental groove and high-energy vocals, enjoy the stylings of the Paul Keller at Sundown Quintet. This Michigan-based group gives a concert the whole family can enjoy.
Bossa Nova and Blues
Bossa nova and samba fans will appreciate Sheila Landis and Brazilian Love Affair, a voice and guitar duo in which the girl from Ipanema meets steady-beat Motown. Blues fans will groove to the electric blues-gospel-reggae sounds of veteran family group The Kinsey Report from Gary, Indiana.
Eclectic Sound Fusion
Speaking of sound fusion, if you enjoy music that combines different styles for a unique and catchy result, check out versatile drummer Randy Marsh as he entertains with his jazz-fusion-rock-country group, the Marsh Organ Trio.
Vocal Thunder
Edye Evans Hyde is a jazz vocalist and musical theater star who won the 2011 West Michigan Jazz Society Musician of the Year award. Her powerhouse credentials include live performances in Dream Girls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe, to name just a few.
Smooth Saxophone Sound
If sax is your passion, set up your lawn chair and enjoy the smooth sounds of award-winning saxophonists Phil Denney and Deon Yates.
The Best of Home-Grown Grand Rapids
Come see what our natives can do. Mind’s Eye is a home-grown jazz quartet from Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra is a 35-year-strong GR group that has entertained generations with their musical stylings.
This year’s GRand Jazz Fest has something for everyone. Come groove with your community, chill with your contemporaries, and have a swinging good time at this year’s free jazz music festival in Grand Rapids.