Top Jazz Events in USA

CALIFORNIA
Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey
September, California

The longest running jazz festival in the world, held every September on the Monterey Fairgrounds site where the Festival was first presented in 1958.

The Monterey Jazz Festival presents the best jazz performers in the world for a three-day celebration of the best in jazz. In addition, the Monterey Jazz Festival features jazz conversations, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, clinics, and an international array of food, shopping and festivities spread throughout the 20-acre Monterey Fairgrounds.

The Monterey Jazz Festival is a nonprofit organization and has donated its proceeds to musical education since its inception in 1958

For more information visit: www.montereyjazzfestival.org/

CONNECTICUT
Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Fest
July
River Valley, Connecticut

The largest festival in all of the Northeast featuring old time jazz, The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival features some of the best bands from around the world.

Taking place at The Sunrise Resort in Moodus, the resort offers 140 acres, pool, boating on the Salmon River, a mini resort for kids, mini golf, many court games, great food, camping and lodging.

For more information visit: http://sunriseresort.com/jazz.html

FLORIDA
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
April
Jacksonville, Florida

The second largest, and considered one of the best jazz festivals in the US, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival weekend is held at Metropolitan Park. Part of the fun is The Great American Jazz Piano competition, Art at the Met, and wine tasting.

Past artists include Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, George Benson, the Count Basie Orchestra, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Rippingtons, Kenny G, and Harry Connick Jr.

GEORGIA
Montreux Music Festival
September
Atlanta, Georgia

The free, outdoor, Montreux Jazz Festival, sponsored by the City of Atlanta features famous jazz acts as well as performers from urban rock, blues, R&B to jazz and funk music on stages on Upper Alabama Street, in Kenny’s Alley and inside Underground Atlanta. The festivities will also include an interactive Kid’s Zone, arts & crafts and food vendors.

For more information visit: www.atlantafestivals.com

IDAHO
Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
February
Moscow, Idaho

For over 40 years the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho has combined the skills of jazz greats and the talents of students from all levels from, elementary school to college, to create an event celebrating the magic of jazz. From a one-day event, the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival has grown into a music packed, four-day experience.

Visitors and musicians alike boogie with the best at this musical extravaganza. More than 50 of the world's greatest jazz artists conduct workshops and participate in concert performances.

For more information visit: www.jazz.uidaho.edu

LOUISIANA
French Quarter Festival
April
New Orleans, Louisiana

This award-winning festival, which began in 1984, has grown to become the largest free music festival in the South. Eighteen stages throughout the French Quarter presented the best in New Orleans music, representing every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R & B and New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, classical, opera, Cajun Zydeco, Latin World, International, as well as musical stages for children.

Over 65 food and beverage booths made up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” a signature event, featuring authentic local cuisine from renowned area restaurants, many of whom have been with the Festival its entire 25 years.

For more information visit: www.fqfi.org

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
April / May
New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a/k/a Jazz Fest, is a 10-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year.

The Louisiana Heritage Fair at the Fair Grounds Race Course showcases unforgettable music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work.

For more information visit: www.nojazzfest.com

MASSACHUSETTS
Tanglewood Jazz Fest
August
Lenox, Massachusetts

The Tanglewood Jazz Festival is held on Labor Day weekend at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Artists who have appeared in the past include Miles Davis, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Cole, Ahmad Jamal, Donal Fox, Nancy Wilson, Roy Haynes, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Charles, Hiromi, and many more.

For more information visit: www.tanglewoodjazzfestival.org

NEW JERSEY
Cape May Jazz Festival
April and November
Cape May, New Jersey

Having celebrated its 15th year and 30th celebration, the Cape May Jazz Festival
presents concerts, festivals, educational programs, workshops and jam sessions for musicians, as well as complimentary guitar, saxophone, percussion and improvisation workshops.

Featured artists have included Jon Faddis, Jesse Andrus, Frank Bey, Edgardo Cintron, David Cole, Jackie Ryan, Pamela Williams and Michael Pedicin.

For more information visit: www.capemayjazz.com

PENNSYLVANIA
FirstEnergy Berks Jazz Fest
March
Reading, Pennsylvania

This 10-day smooth jazz festival, a tradition for almost 20 years, is held annually in March, and offers more than 130 concerts, lunches, brunches, workshops, worship services, happy hours and midnight jam sessions to the public.

Past performers include The Manhattan Transfer, US Air Force Rhythm In Blue Jazz Ensemble, Jason Miles, Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa, Walter Beasley, Deodato, Marion Meadows, Paul Jackson Jr, David Mann, Jaared, Jay Beckenstein, Maria Muldaur, Paul Brown to name just a few.

More than 4,500 people attend the event each year.

For more information visit: www.berksjazzfest.com

RHODE ISLAND
JVC Jazz Festival
August
Newport, Rhode Island

The legendary Newport Jazz Festival, now called The JVC Jazz Festival-Newport, is a spectacular 3-day outdoor event that features the best in classic and contemporary jazz. Recent lineups have included Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., Wynton Marsalis and many more.

For more information visit: www.festivalproductions.net

SOUTH DAKOTA
JazzFest
July
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The annual Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival, JazzFest has become a summer favorite in Sioux Falls and the region. JazzFest is a two-day outdoor musical event featuring two stages and is free to the public. The festival is free and features two stages with over 18 hours of music.

JazzFest features a wide variety of music every year including jazz, blues, Zydeco, Latin, reggae, big band, rock, soul and funk among others.

For more information visit: www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com

Source: http://www.topeventsusa.com/jazz-events.html