Annual Vail Jazz Festival Returns This Summer
See jazz greats and virtuosos in an ongoing series of musical events at a variety of venues throughout Vail
Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony | Photo Courtesy of Vail Jazz
Live jazz returns to Vail this summer with the 29th Annual Vail Jazz Festival from July 9 – September 4. Over the years, the Vail Jazz Festival has featured some of the preeminent jazz greats and virtuosos in an ongoing series of musical events at a variety of venues throughout Vail, and this summer is no exception. This summer they are honoring their roots while embracing new ideas.
“As our organization blossoms and grows, we’re pleased to present the very best in jazz again this summer,” says Amanda Blevins, Vail Jazz executive director. “We have a diverse lineup that showcases the many subgenres of jazz, and three of our headlining musicians are Vail Jazz Workshop alumni.”
THE VAIL JAZZ FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY
The Festival will commence with a kickoff party the week the concerts begin at the Donovan Pavilion. The event will feature a high-energy dance party with renowned musician Wycliffe Gordon performing his Funk Revolution. Guests can plan for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and elements of R&B and soul, so bring your dancing shoes and prepare to get down!
VAIL SQUARE HEADLINER SERIES
Vail Square is the epicenter of jazz throughout the summer, the Jazz Tent at Vail Square will once again throb, sway, and reverberate with seven- masterful world-class performances from July 13 – Aug 24. Tucked into its picture book setting adjacent to the Arrabelle Hotel, it’s THE place to be on Thursday nights. Vail Jazz @ Vail Square will captivate the entire family with high-energy renowned artists across many genres – from blues to soulful sopranos.
Photo Courtesy of Vail Jazz
HOWARDS HANG OUT AT THE TAVERN
Immediately following the Vail Square Headliner series on Thursday evenings, Howards Hangout at the Tavern is an intimate venue to grab a drink and get up close and personal with the Drew Zaremba Quartet. Located a “Stone’s throw” from the Jazz Tent, it’s easy to pop in for a nightcap and keep the music going with this free concert series.
SUNDAY NIGHTS AT SOLARIS
Free Sunday evening concerts return this summer July 9 – 30 on the Solaris Plaza in Vail Village. This family-friendly series will be a showcase of the many genres of jazz, and include the sounds of Brazil, gypsy jazz, and more. Don’t miss the free swing lessons preceding the show on July 23! Bring a blanket and soak up the beautiful Colorado sunset while listening to world class jazz!
Tony DeSare | Photo by Bill Westmoreland
VAIL JAZZ PARTY LABOR DAY WEEKEND
The event that started it all – the Vail Jazz Party, over Labor Day weekend, Aug 31 – Sept 4, 2023 – will bring together some of the biggest names in jazz in a constellation of group performances. This year’s Vail Jazz Party will be a celebration of the life of Howard Stone. All-access weekend passes include entry into all sessions of music. Full details and lineup are available here.
Vail Jazz is celebrating music education throughout the summer in honor of the late Tony Gulizia a co-founder of Vail Jazz Goes to School, a program that has taught 4th and 5th graders the fundamentals of jazz music for the past 26 years. Consider supporting Vail Jazz and their educational programs by donating at VailJazz.org.
Click here for more information about the 29th Annual Vail Jazz Festival, including details and tickets.
