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By Vince Robinson
The Tri-C JazzFest unveiled its electrifying lineup for the 45th annual festival this June, revealing a mix of virtuosic talents that span the gamut from jazz traditionalism to the avant-garde. The momentous occasion was marked with an exhilarating event at the Metro Campus on Wednesday evening.
Taking center stage on Thursday, June 21st, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Take 6 will serenade audiences with their timeless harmonies, followed by a star-studded Friday featuring bass maestro Marcus Miller and the trailblazing Bob James Quartet. The night will also showcase acclaimed vocalists Cecile McLorin Salvant and Jason Moran, and the infectious grooves of Scary Goldings, led by renowned organist Larry Goldings.
Director Terri Pontremoli emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing artists who transcend the ordinary, delivering performances that resonate deeply with social and cultural nuances, and straddling the worlds of Broadway and Hollywood. “When they take to the stage, their music becomes the beating heart of the festival,” she exclaimed.
Saturday’s itinerary is equally spellbinding, with a lineup that boasts the Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio featuring Gerald Clayton and Marvin Sewell, the pulsating rhythms of Harold Lopez-Nussa/Diego Figueiredo, and Artemis, an all-female powerhouse ensemble.
Highlighting the weekend’s celebrations is the captivating “Flying Home: A Trumpet Summit,” a gathering of premier trumpeters including Sean Jones, Curtis Taylor, Dominick Farinacci, and Tommy Lehman.
In addition to these captivating performances, the 2024 JazzFest promises exhilarating free outdoor concerts at the Playhouse Square plaza, featuring a rich tapestry of local and regional talents curated by esteemed music industry professionals.
This year’s festival is set to be an unforgettable celebration of the transformative power of jazz, a testament to its enduring relevance in the world of music.
Liam Speaks (piano), Vincent Langford (bass) and Nehemiah Baker (drums). The three are students in the Tri-C JazzFest Academy.
