The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns to downtown Jacksonville May 22–24, bringing a funk‑forward lineup led by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Parliament‑Funkadelic and Nile Rodgers & Chic to two riverfront stages.
The free Memorial Day weekend festival will take place at Ford on Bay and Riverfront Plaza, with more than two dozen acts scheduled across three days, including Esperanza Spalding, Andra Day and Sheila E.
Here’s what to know before you head downtown.
When is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The festival is scheduled for May 22-24. Music starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Where is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The main stage for this year’s festival will be held at Ford on Bay, the former riverfront site of the Duval County Courthouse on Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville. A secondary stage will be at Riverfront Plaza, the former Jacksonville Landing site, with mostly local acts. The two venues are within walking distance of one another.
Who is playing at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Parliament-Funkadelic, Sheila E., Esperanza Spalding, Andra Day and Nile Rodgers & Chic are the big names, but more than two dozen acts are booked for the festival.
What is the schedule for Friday at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
What is the schedule for Saturday at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
What is the schedule for Sunday at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
How much are tickets for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The festival is free, but VIP packages are available from $249-$549 and preferred seating is available for $129.
What events are associated with the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Florida Theatre. Five pianists take the stage and play three songs for a panel of judges. The winner gets a spot on the main festival stage on Sunday. It’s free.
There’s also a free Jazz Jam scheduled for 9 p.m. Saturday at Riverfront Plaza, where the John Lumpkin Trio will perform with anyone who wants to join them.
The Jacksonville Jazz Society is curating a Jazz Clinic at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Jessie Ball duPont Center downtown. They’ll explore the evolution of smooth and contemporary jazz.
Will there be a Jazz After Dark series associated with this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The late-night series returns for the 13th year, with more than two dozen acts performing free sets in downtown venues. The shows are planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, starting at 8 p.m., at the following venues:
For a full schedule, go to dtjax.com/boogie.
What can I bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
You can bring one factory-sealed water bottle, baby formula, collapsible chairs, strollers, personal umbrellas, blankets and outside food for personal consumption.
Prohibited items include hard-sided coolers, any coolers larger than 10-by-10 inches, outside alcohol, glass containers, tents and shade canopies, grills, fireworks, pets, noisemakers, drones and illegal weapons. Smoking and vaping are not permitted on festival grounds.
Where can I park for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Parking will be at a premium, especially on Friday when the festival begins before the downtown workforce heads home. The city recommends the following garages:
Will any downtown roads be closed for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Independent Drive between Hogan and Newnan streets will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. East Bay Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Newnan and Liberty streets, along with Market Street between Forsyth Street and the river, and Liberty Street between Bay Street and the river.
Who designed the poster for this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
Jacksonville graphic artist Lindsey Overstreet designed this year’s poster, which is available through the Jazz Festival online store for $30, or $40 if you want one signed by the artist. Commemorative T-shirts, pins, tank tops, backpacks and hand towels are also available.
What if it rains at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?
The festival is a rain-or-shine event. Stages are covered, so performers can keep playing in the rain. In the event of severe weather, acts may be postponed or canceled.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns downtown with funk‑heavy lineup
Reporting by Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
