The 2021 B’Town Jazz Fest — better than ever!
Saturday of Labor Day Weekend – Noon to 11 pm – @ The Woolery Mill
The 2021 Jazz Fest ran for an incredible 11 hours, with 17 hours of music on two stages! Special guest Randy Brecker, who flew in from NY City, topped off a day filled with all our favorite musicians. (Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, his wife and co-performer, Ada Rovatti, could not accompany him.) Randy spent time as a student in Bloomington years ago, and it was great to be able to welcome him back, thanks to a grant from the Smithville Charitable Foundation.
In addition, there were premieres of TWO brand new compositions by IU professors Greg Ward and Wayne Wallace. These works were commissioned by B’Town Jazz in response to the increasing awareness of racial justice and equity issues. Thank you Greg and Wayne for such awesome music! (Donations to help pay for their efforts are still being accepted! See the Support page.)
Thanks to all our sponsors and donors, the performers, volunteers, and everyone who came out to enjoy this wonderful event!
As pictures, and video taken by Bloomington Community Access Television, become available, we’ll post links here.
Homegrown Hip!
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 B’Town Jazz Fest had to be cancelled. However, B’Town Jazz bravely took up the challenge of producing a series of virtual performances featuring some of the wonderful talent our area has to offer!
Watch the video series on YouTube or here at
http://www.btownjazz.org/watch-listen/videos
Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors and performers, and to Chris Parker, who produced and edited all the videos, John Porter who did all the introductions, Chris and Jeff Parker, who did social media posts, and Lisa Ensman, who sent out emails and posted videos to the website every month for the last year.
Aug. 29, 2020
B’Town Jazz makes a statement of support for racial equity and diversity and announces the commissioning of two compositions
B’Town Jazz is committed to using its resources to support the fight for racial equity and celebrate diversity through the performing arts. Jazz music has deep roots in Black culture and has played a central role in civil rights movements that demand equality and justice.
As a visible sign of support, B’Town Jazz is proud to announce that it has commissioned Wayne Wallace and Greg Ward to each compose a new work for jazz ensemble that reflects on the racial crisis in our nation and underscores the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Join with us by donating toward the commission fees – go to Support-Donate/Sponsor (specify that your contribution is for the commissions during checkout).
Check out our new interactive virtual gallery – Click the image above to get started!
