Vail Jazz Festival Celebrates 25 Years

Get ready for 10-weeks of ragtime tunes in the Rocky Mountains

A rich history in serving memorable music performances, Vail Jazz Festival has made a name for itself throughout the Rocky Mountain West and music scene. From June 30 through September 2, the mountain town will host a new summer lineup throughout Vail Village with over 200 artists set to play. This 10-week concert series is also a major milestone for the music-filled fest, as it turns 25-years-old in the upcoming season.

Swing to music like salsa, blues, Latin bebop, gypsy jazz and more while enjoying the picturesque setting that the ski town has to offer. With six different performance locations, there’s something for everyone at this music fest.

Vail Jazz @ Vail Square. Photo by Ben Koelker.

Vail Jazz @ Vail Square
Thursdays, 6PM
Vail Square in Lionshead Village
TICKETS
July 4 – August 22
The core of Vail’s cultural scene, Vail Square in Lionshead Village is set to host plenty of prominent names every Thursday from July 4 through August 22 with the purchase of a ticket. Performances from crowd-favorite Marcia Ball with her fusion of Texas Blues and gritty New Orleans jazz to a Nat King Cole tribute played by John Pizzarelli Trio are just a glimpse at what the Jazz Tent has to offer.

Vail Jazz Club Series
Wednesdays, Two Seatings at 5PM and 7:30 PM  
Ludwig’s Terrace, Sonnenalp Hotel
July 10 – August 7
A decadent soiree setting, this venue is dedicated to the showcase of jazz music’s timelessness and elegance set in Ludwig’s Terrace at the Sonnenalp Hotel. This intimate location will serve up great views, libations and cuisine while enjoying the mesmerizing sounds of the diverse lineup and the echoing acoustics. Tickets are available for every Wednesday from July 10th through August 7.

Wycliffe Gordon's Nu Funk Machine Dance Party. Photo by Jack Affleck.

Vail Jazz Party
Labor Day Weekend
Lionshead Village
August 29 – September 2
An annual bash, this Labor Day Weekend party will bring in a variety of soloists, group ensembles and special performances over the course of four days all throughout Vail. Get a ticket for specific shows to claim your spot here.

Vail Jazz @ The Market
Sundays, Noon – 3 PM
Jazz Tent at Solaris
June 30 – August 25
A staple at Vail Jazz, this al fresco (and free) concert series highlights local and regionally based talent all in the setting of a Farmers’ Market. Shop the selection of fresh produce and other products while listening to the music of bands like the Wayne Wilkinson Trio and their style of progressive jazz or Joe Deninzon + Friends who was dubbed “The Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin.”

Vail Jazz @ The Remedy
Sundays, 8 PM
The Remedy at Four Seasons
June 30 – August 25
Another free concert experience, The Remedy at the Four Seasons provides a modern, contemporary venue for a reimagined jazz concert hall. Grab a Manhattan at the bar and embrace the talent of top Colorado jazz musicians like Tony Gulizia and Brian Loftus showing off their skills in piano, guitar, saxophone and drums.

Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk: Ayo Awosika. Photo by Christin Maguire.

Vail Jazz @ Riverwalk
Fridays, 6 PM
Riverwalk at Edwards
July 5 – August 23
In a whimsical outdoor setting, the Riverwalk Amphitheater will host a free series perfect for families on summer events that will feature bands like the Hazel Miller Band, Crescent City Connection or Quemando. The diversity of the bands will bring in tunes ranging from swing, blues, funk, Latin jazz and more.