5 Best Jazz Fests in the USA

Top Jazz Festivals in the U.S.

• Monterey Jazz Festival
• Jacksonville Jazz Festival
• Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
• Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
• North Carolina Jazz Festival

The jazz movement is most famously attributed to Louisiana. But there’s no reason why lovers of this genre can’t attend a jazz fest in other parts of the United States as well. In fact, the world’s longest-running jazz festival takes place in Monterey, California. The second-largest, and arguably one of the best, is held each year in Jacksonville, Florida. Are you a lover of all things jazz and you’re looking to do a little bit of traveling this year? Check out the following five best jazz fests in the U.S.

1. Monterey Jazz Festival

Held in late September every year, the Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, California is well-known for being the world’s longest-running jazz festival. The event takes place on the Monterey Fairgrounds — the same location where the festival was first presented in 1958. Festival-goers are presented with the world’s best jazz musicians in this three-day celebration of this music. In addition, the festival, spread across 20 acres, features:

• clinics
• exhibitions
• workshops
• panel discussions
• shopping
• food
• festivities

Since its inception, the Monterey Jazz Festival has donated its proceeds to musical education.

2. Jacksonville Jazz Festival

The second-largest jazz festival is often thought to be one of the best in the country. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held in late May each year in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Some of the highlights include:

• Wine Down: A Wine-Tasting Experience
• Art in the Heart Art Show & Sale
• The Great American Jazz Piano Competition

Past artists include:

• Harry Connick, Jr.
• Kenny G, Rippingtons
• Chris Botti
• Herbie Hancock
• Diana Krall
• the Count Basie Orchestra
• George Benson
• Miles Davis
• Roberta Flack
• Dizzy Gillespie.

3. Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival has held for more than four decades at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The festival combines the skills of jazz professionals with students of all ages, celebrating the magic of jazz. The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival has evolved from a one-day event to a jazz-filled, four-day extravaganza. Musicians and visitors alike share their love of the genre.  More than 50 of the greatest jazz artists in the world participate in concert performances and conduct workshops.

4. Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is known as the largest free jazz event in New England. It’s held in mid-July in Hartford, Connecticut, Each year, more than 50,000 jazz enthusiasts flock to the festival for three music-packed days of quality jazz. Some of the world’s biggest names perform at the main stage at Bushnell Park. Regional and local artists also perform noteworthy selections at the marketplace at Trinity Street.

5. North Carolina Jazz Festival

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is held in early February. It’s been a popular event for more than 30 years. It’s held in Wilmington, North Carolina. This jazz fest features a wide selection of the top traditional jazz musicians in the world. Festival-goers can also enjoy:

• a jazz education program
• workshops and concerts with all-star musicians
• half-hour concert series in which each musician takes the stage for a half-hour set

Regardless of where you live in the U.S., there are plenty of jazz festivals to attend. This list is not comprehensive of every jazz fest held in the country. However, these are among the best that the jazz genre has to offer.

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