The Atlanta Jazz Festival, the city’s annual Memorial Day weekend event, will feature Latin, Creole, straight-ahead jazz and hip-hop-inspired artists this year. It’s just days away.
“As our city becomes more international and our population younger, we are booking the festival to welcome these new audiences,” says Camille Russell Love, executive director of the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the agency behind the event.
The free three-day musical feast, now in its 39th year, runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday on three stages (Local, National and International) at Piedmont Park.
Here are some basic guidelines and rules:
- HOURS | 6-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
- KIDZONE | Offers games and interactive play for all ages.
- FOOD VENDORS + SHOPPING | Expect barbecue, gyros, burgers, Caribbean food and more. Booths will display and sell art, clothing and jewelry.
- PARK RULES | No grilling, no pets and no staking of tents. Sorry, Fido.
Traffic is always an issue around Piedmont Park on weekends and holidays. Festival organizers suggest taking MARTA; riding your bike and parking it at the free bike valet at 10thStreet near Park Tavern; or reserving guaranteed parking in advance with Parking Panda.
For updates on festival news and to chat with other festgoers, follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Here’s the complete lineup, in chronological order, by stage.
Friday
MAIN STAGE
- 7 p.m. | Next Collective
- 9 p.m. | JOI
Saturday
LOCAL STAGE
- 12:30 p.m. | Rialto Jazz for Kids All Stars
- 2:30 p.m. | Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO)
- 4:30 p.m. | Mabu’s Ark Band
- 6:30 p.m. | Alex Lattimore
INTERNATIONAL STAGE
- 1:30 p.m. | Camila Meza
- 3:30 p.m. | TATRAN
- 5:30 p.m. | Mette Henriette
- 7:30 p.m. | Etienne Charles
MAIN STAGE
- 1 p.m. | Chargaux
- 3 p.m. | Tomeka Reid
- 5 p.m. | Theo Croker
- 7 p.m. | Jamison Ross
- 9 p.m. | Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Sunday
LOCAL STAGE
- 12:30p.m. | Band Room Nation
- 2:30 p.m. | Anonymous DaBand
- 4:30 p.m. | Joe Alterman Trio
- 6:30 p.m. | Chandra Currelley
INTERNATIONAL STAGE
- 1:30 p.m. | Assaf Kehati Trio
- 3:30 p.m. | Tumi Mogorosi
- 5:30 p.m. | Daby Touré
- 7:30 p.m. | Eliane Elias
MAIN STAGE
- 1 p.m. | Navy Band Southeast: V.I.P Protocol Combo
- 3 p.m. | Eugenie Jones
- 5 p.m. | The Headhunters
- 7 p.m. | Benny Golson
- 9 p.m. | Gregory Porter