Charlie Parker Jazz Festival to bring 3 days of free concerts to Harlem, East Village
American Jazz group Social Science performs at the 25th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park, New York, New York, August 26, 2017. Pictured are, from left, Morgan Guerin on electric bass guitar, Terri Lyne Carrington on
NEW YORK - Three days of free live jazz will fill parks in Harlem and the East Village when the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival returns Aug. 28-30.
What we know:
The annual festival honors the late saxophonist Charlie Parker by presenting veteran musicians and rising jazz artists in the New York neighborhoods where he lived and worked.
Now in its 34th year, the festival will take place at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. All three main concerts are free and open to all ages.
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Friday’s lineup
The festival opens Friday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Marcus Garvey Park, located at 18 Mount Morris Park West.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will headline the opening concert under the musical direction of saxophonist Sherman Irby. The orchestra will be joined by trumpeter Marquis Hill and vocalist Ekep Nkwelle.
The Bill Saxton Harlem All-Stars will also perform.
Saturday’s lineup
The music continues Saturday, Aug. 29, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Marcus Garvey Park.
Saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman will headline the concert. The lineup also includes pianist Nat Adderley Jr., vocalist Catherine Russell, saxophonist Nicole Glover and DJ Kultured Child.
Sunday’s lineup
The final main concert will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tompkins Square Park near East 10th Street.
Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane will headline alongside the Billy Hart Quartet, drummer and producer Kassa Overall and vocalist Vanisha Gould.
More festival events
Additional events are planned across Manhattan in the days leading up to and during the festival.
The schedule includes a documentary screening about Sun Ra, live performances, a Monday night jazz jam, concerts in community gardens, an outdoor art exhibit and a festival after-party.
Organizers said more performers and programming may be announced.
The backstory:
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival was created to celebrate Parker’s musical individuality and influence while introducing audiences to established performers and the next generation of jazz artists.
The concerts are held in Harlem and the East Village because of Parker’s connections to both neighborhoods.
The Source: This article was written using information from the City Parks Foundation.