Welcome to the 2024 Greenville Jazz Fest!
In the heart of downtown Greenville, the 2024 Greenville Jazz Fest is set to be a celebration of music, culture, and community. Taking place on June 7-8, this year’s festival features an eclectic mix of jazz genres, from the soulful strains of New Orleans Jazz to the vibrant rhythms of Latin Jazz. Main Street will transform into a lively hub of activity, with multiple stages featuring performances by world-renowned artists and local talents alike. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Greenville Jazz Fest offers something for everyone.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, a legendary ensemble hailing from New Orleans. Their performance is not just a concert but a journey through the rich history of New Orleans music. With a heritage spanning over 60 years, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has shared stages with icons like Stevie Wonder and modern giants such as the Foo Fighters. Their sound, deeply rooted in the Afro-Cuban rhythms that shaped New Orleans, promises to be a captivating experience.
Equally exciting is the performance by Butcher Brown, a band known for their innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Since their debut in 2013, Butcher Brown has pushed the boundaries of jazz, creating a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. Their eclectic mix of influences ensures that their set will be a highlight of the festival, offering something fresh and exciting for the audience.
The Greenville Jazz Fest is not just about music; it’s a celebration of community and culture. The festival partners with Greenville County Schools to bring jazz education into the classroom and onto the stage. The All County Jazz Ensemble, comprising talented students from local high schools, will showcase the future stars of the jazz scene. Under the direction of Dr. Colleen Clark from the USC Jazz Department, these young musicians will perform a variety of styles, from big band to vocal jazz, demonstrating their impressive skills and passion for music.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival offers a variety of activities for attendees of all ages. Family-friendly zones will feature interactive activities, educational jazz sessions, and art displays from local artisans. Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary offerings available from local vendors, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every palate.
As you explore the festival, you’ll find multiple stages set up along Main Street, each offering a unique musical experience. From the soulful vocals of Karla Harris to the fusion sounds of the Sofia Goodman Trio, the lineup spans a wide range of jazz styles, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to discover. The festival’s schedule is packed with performances, so be sure to plan your visit to catch your favorite acts.
The Greenville Jazz Fest is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including the City of Greenville, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, and local media outlets like WYFF and the Greenville Journal. Their contributions help to keep the festival free for all attendees, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.
To make the most of your festival experience, consider volunteering. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the event, assisting with everything from setup to attendee assistance and clean-up. It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and support a fantastic cultural event in Greenville.
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of jazz and community. Mark your calendars for June 7-8, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and sights of the Greenville Jazz Fest. Whether you’re there for the music, the food, or the community spirit, there’s no better place to be than downtown Greenville this June.
Event Overview:
- Dates: June 7-8, 2024
- Times:
- Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Location: Main Street, Downtown Greenville
- Admission: Free
Event Highlights:
1. Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Genre: New Orleans Jazz
- Time: 7:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Reedy Stage
2. Butcher Brown
- Genre: Funk, Fusion
- Time: 8:30 PM, Friday, June 7
- Stage: Roots Stage
3. E’Lon JD
- Genre: Soul, Funk
- Time: 6:30 PM, Friday, June 7
- Stage: Roots Stage
4. All County Jazz Ensemble
- Genre: Big Band, Swing, Funk, Samba, Bossa-nova, Vocal Jazz
- Time: 2:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Roots Stage
5. Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band
- Genre: Big Band, Swing, Funk, Samba, Bossa-nova, Vocal Jazz
- Time: 6:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Roots Stage
6. Tish Oney Quartet
- Genre: Jazz Vocals
- Time: 4:30 PM, Friday, June 7
- Stage: Roots Stage
7. Sofia Goodman Trio
- Genre: Fusion, Funk
- Time: 4:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Roots Stage
8. Patrick Lopez Experience
- Genre: Latin, Smooth Jazz
- Time: 3:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Reedy Stage
9. Karla Harris
- Genre: Jazz Vocals
- Time: 7:30 PM, Friday, June 7
- Stage: Reedy Stage
10. Buff Dillard
- Genre: Smooth Jazz
- Time: 5:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Reedy Stage
11. Keith Davis Quartet
- Genre: Smooth Jazz
- Time: 11:30 AM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Reedy Stage
12. Adam Knight Quartet
- Genre: Funk, Fusion
- Time: 1:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Reedy Stage
13. Company Swing
- Genre: Swing
- Time: 5:30 PM, Friday, June 7
- Stage: Reedy Stage
14. Undercover Jazz
- Genre: Jazz Covers
- Time: 12:30 PM, Saturday, June 8
- Stage: Roots Stage
Special Performances:
- All County Jazz Ensemble: Featuring award-winning student vocalist Leah Rutherford, under the direction of Dr. Colleen Clark from USC Jazz Department.
- Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band: The only non-profit in Greenville dedicated to promoting jazz arts.
Additional Features:
- Stages and Venues: Multiple stages along Main Street with continuous live jazz music.
- Family Activities: Interactive zones, educational jazz sessions, and more.
- Art and Crafts: Local artisans selling their creations.
Important Information:
- Prohibited Items: No pets, skateboards, bicycles, coolers, or smoking.
- ID Requirements: Valid photo ID for alcohol purchase and consumption.
Sponsors and Partners:
- Major Sponsors: City of Greenville, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, Hot 98.1, Jamz 103.3.
- Media Partners: WYFF, Greenville Journal, Fox Carolina.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Sign Up: Volunteer Portal
- Roles: Setup, attendee assistance, clean-up.
Transportation and Parking:
- Parking Options: Parking Map
- Public Transport: Utilize local public transportation.
