It was a little bit of everything at this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival. From jazz piano Thursday night to Kenny G hitting the stage Saturday night accompanied by the first significant rain in a while, jazz filled the Downtown air all weekend.
This year’s festival also marked the first time since the City took over the festival that jazz fans had to pay to attend events in Metropolitan Park. According to the City’s Office of Special Events, the fee was initiated when Mayor John Peyton included a budget item that called for a $10 charge for all general admission at Metro Park. The result was a significant drop from last year’s estimated attendance of 60,000 to this year’s 12,000. But, they were an enthusiastic 12,000 that enjoyed some the genre’s best and endured a strong thunderstorm Saturday night.
“We were aware that the instituting of ticketing the Jazz Festival may lead to less overall attendance this year,” said Theresa O’Donnell, director of the Office of Special Events. “But, the enthusiasm and excitement of those who enjoyed this year’s festival did not waver.”
Outside of Saturday night, the Jazz Festival experienced near-perfect weather and a host of the best jazz musicians highlighted by Kenny G and a lineup that also featured Herbie Hancock, the Rippingtons, Peter Cinotti, the River City Band with Jane Monheit on vocals and many others.
Overall, City officials are happy with the event.
“This year’s festival was very successful with such a variety of performances and created yet another reason to enjoy all that Downtown has to offer,” said O’Donnell.
While the Office of Special Events has other projects in the near future, the magnitude of the Jazz Festival requires attention soon. “We will probably start immediately with a debriefing of the event,” said Christina Langston of the Office of Special Events.