What all started as Kickstarter campaign with 188 backers and $17,200 raised, is now an annual Jazz Fest in Philadelphia heading into its fourth year. The inaugural Center City Jazz Festival took place on April 28, 2012 in four venues across the city and featured 17 bands. On April 25, the event will celebrate it’s fourth year by hosting 19 bands in five venues.
“This is going to be our most diverse festival lineup ever,” Center City Jazz Festival Director and trombonist Ernest Stuart tells Philadelphia Magazine. “I’m extremely happy to present this mix of artists and music. We have legendary saxophonist Ben Schachter; The Huntertones, a young brass band from Brooklyn; Surface to Air, a jazz trio featuring classical Indian hand percussion; Matt Davis’ celebrated large ensemble Aerial Photograph; Philadelphia’s own Balkan brass band, The West Philadelphia Orchestra; and so much more. A handful of the festival’s bands have never performed in Philly before. Everyone is in for an awesome surprise.”
As a part of Philadelphia Jazz Appreciation Month, the six-hour fest starts at 1 p.m. and all restaurants are within walking distance of each other. By purchasing one ticket, attendees are granted access into each venue, so you can stroll into various performances throughout the day. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
