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Jazz renegade Theo Croker returns to his Jacksonville roots

Few musicians live in the present moment, at the convergence of what came before and what's up ahead, with more panache than Theo Croker. A trumpeter, producer and composer rooted in the jazz lineage, he's also within the vanguard of a peer group blending hip-hop, electronic music and contemporary R&B. The synthesis shines throughout his recent albums, notably the feature-laden Love Quantum, which arrives this summer, and BLK2LIFE // A FUTURE PAST, which released...

Delta’s Honor Their Own Diva at Jazz Fest

Tens of thousands of music fans partook in the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2022. The three-day line-up, included dozens of artist, performing  on two stages. For forty years jazz enthusiasts and aficionados from around the world unite in Northeast Florida to celebrate the music, art, and culture of American jazz history.  This year’s headliners included Stephanie Mills, Motown recording artist KEM, Ledisi, Herbie Hancock and the incomparable Patti Labelle ended the festival belting out her...

News4JAX reporter and anchor Jenese Harris honored to introduce Patti LaBelle at 2022 Jazz Festival

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Quite a treat Sunday night for our very own Jenese Harris as she got to step on the stage at Jacksonville’s Jazz Fest and introduce legendary singer and icon, Patti LaBelle. Jenese said to introduce Ms. LaBelle was an honor and dream. Jenese said she’s been a fan since she was a little girl and listened to Patti LaBelle’s music with her parents. See Jenese introduce LaBelle in the video below. Patti LaBelle closed out a weekend...

Jacksonville all jazzed up: Hundreds enjoy music festival downtown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a rough week in the news, hundreds of people flocked downtown on Saturday to enjoy the longstanding tradition of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. It was refreshing to see smiling faces all having a good time, and people came to the free event prepared with lawn chairs, umbrellas -- and waters. For some people, this free event couldn’t have come at a better time. “Since the pandemic this is the first time we’ve had a jazz...

Everything you need to know if you’re attending the Jacksonville Jazz Festival

 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (The video above is from a previous report) The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns Memorial Day Weekend to Downtown Jacksonville, featuring artists such as Patti LaBelle, George Benson and many more.   The free event includes food vendors, drinks, community and of course music! It will take place May 26 to May 29. Be sure to bring your own chairs to the event. The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection will kick the festival off on...

‘It was a great experience’: Jacksonville Jazz Festival’s impact felt throughout city

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — All weekend, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has attracted tens of thousands of locals and tourists to the River City. Sunday is the final day, but the hustle and bustle downtown has given the entire area some extra attention. “It’s a good environment,” Jacksonville resident Dr. Kenyatta Lee said. “So, I do think it’ll help Jacksonville grow.” He and his wife, LaQuita, say they have been to several Jacksonville Jazz Festivals throughout the years. “I’m not...

Jacksonville business owners gear up for Jazz Fest weekend

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has returned and many small business owners are anticipating the crowds drawn to the event will help boost sales. Action News Jax spoke with business owners today and has more on what this festival means to them Many say they are excited about what this festival could bring to their business’s bottom lines, and they are hopeful for a profitable weekend “The city of Jacksonville has done a great job of helping us...

Herbie Hancock, George Benson to headline Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Jacksonville, FL — A Jacksonville tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will take place May 26-29. This year’s festival will include performances by Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Mindi Abair, David Sanchez, and many more. The festival will kick off on May 26 with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition at the Florida Theatre. The other stages will be located along the St. Johns River at Riverfront Plaza, Ford on Bay and along Independent Drive. The festival...