by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The 2011 Jacksonville Jazz festival is a celebration of America’s original musical form, plus examples of music from all over the world.
For three days, the streets of Downtown will be alive with the sights and sounds of jazz and art. It’s one of the biggest free events of the year and more than 150,000 people are expected to attend the festivities.
Visitors will have their choice of three outdoor venues and an indoor setting at Snyder Memorial.
Laura Street will be the main corridor for the festival this year with the Groovin’ Stage — much larger this year than last — set up at Hemming Plaza. On the south end of the street, the Breezin’ Stage will be in the courtyard at the Landing.
Along the way, there will be artists exhibiting and selling their work and vendors offering all sorts of things to eat and drink.
For the afterhours crowd, the Hyatt Downtown, the official host hotel of the Jacksonville Jazz festival, will offer the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Here’s a look at some of the acts and artists that will be on stage at the Laura Street venues. See tomorrow’s Downtown Today for a preview of the entertainment on the Swingin’ Stage at Main and Monroe streets.
For the complete festival schedule, visit www.jaxjazzfest.com.
356-2466