Got the Blues? Jazz in the Park Will Cheer You Up!

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

The summer may be winding down, but Jazz in the Park is kicking into full swing this weekend! The annual concert series is finally back with free performances happening every Sunday in September.

Since 2015, people have attended Jazz in the Park to experience the electric rhythms of trumpets, saxophones, violins, trombones, vocals, and more. This year, the lineup is bigger and better than ever, with a variety of seasoned professionals, Grammy nominated artists, and new names in the jazz world taking the stage each week. 

Kenny Anderson, Director of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, helped establish this event as a way for people to have access to diverse and vibrant entertainment experiences without the barrier of cost getting in the way.

“This is an opportunity to provide a high-quality jazz concert series with performing artists who are all local, regional, national and international artists,” Anderson said. “This is our opportunity to highlight and showcase the best that we have today in the world of jazz, and to be able to do it at no charge because of the support of some amazing sponsors.”

September also kicks off Huntsville Music Month, the official celebration of the city’s music community, events, businesses, and professionals. Jazz in the Park is a collaboration between the Huntsville Music Office and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to bring much needed musical representation to Big Spring Park and to improve the quality of life for citizens.

“Representation matters. I think it’s important for people to experience the full breath of the Huntsville experience,” said Anderson. “The landscape of our city provides us with so many incredible opportunities to experience different kinds of things- food, fashion, education, and arts and entertainment.”

The impact of Jazz in the Park is bigger than the music, though. After the concerts are over, the musicians visit local Huntsville high school to provide jazz master classes to students. They provide resources and lessons to inspire the next generation of local artists.

For those who are interested in attending Jazz in the Park but have never been to a jazz event before, don’t worry: knowledge of jazz music is not required to attend or enjoy the event! In fact, many people will be surprised to learn that much of today’s popular music has some type of jazz influence.

Jazz in the Park is not just a music event, it’s a music experience. It’s a destination that welcomes everyone! Attendees will leave with a greater appreciation for the art, culture, and community of the jazz world.

“When you come out, you see the excellence of the performers. You see the extraordinary way that they move the audience. There’s a good chance you're gonna see people you know, and there's also a good chance you’re gonna meet people you didn't know and develop new friends,” Anderson said.