Jazz Festival events
The 9th annual Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival opens Thursday, with the event’s centerpiece concert taking place Saturday. Most festival events are free.
The festival schedule:
Evening of Poetry — 6:30 p.m. today, Alabama School of Mathematics & Science, 1255 Dauphin St., free. The festival’s popular opening event will feature “presentations from area spoken word artists with a pinch of competition thrown in for good measure” in the form of an open poetry slam. Additionally, the winner of a poetry contest related to the festival will be announced.
Jazz Workshop — 9:30 a.m. registration/10 a.m. start, Friday, School of Math & Science, free. This event is designed to “introduce music lovers of any age to rudimentary jazz in a casual atmosphere and by using a variety of formats.” The focus is on teaching beginners to play their first notes in an amateur ensemble assisted by professional clinicians; but the event also is open to players of intermediate and better skill. Advance registration is recommended for groups of more than five people; to register, visit www.gcefjazzfest.com or call 473-5020.
Jazz in the Square — Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday, in Bienville Square. Area radio personality Catt Sirten will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The E.B. Coleman Orchestra is scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m., followed by the Silver Wings Combo at 4:50 p.m.; an ensemble of “Jazz in the Schools” clinicians at 5:50 p.m.; Jaspects at 6:45 p.m.; and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at 7:45 p.m.
Admission is free. Some vendors will be on hand, and some sponsors will have booths on site. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own chairs, but pets are discouraged. Patrons are welcome to bring coolers, but public park policy prohibits alcohol.
Jazz Jam Session — 6 p.m. Sunday, Gulf City Lodge, 601 State St., $7 admission. The festival’s traditional conclusion features a wealth of local players, often joined by some of the Saturday concert’s performers.
The Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival is put on by a nonprofit organization whose goals include “presenting jazz music in a professional, entertaining, family oriented venue and by encouraging young musicians to play jazz by educating and involving them in its history and future.”
For more information on the festival, visit www.gcehjazzfest.com or call 473-5020.
