The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will fill the streets of Downtown beginning Thursday morning.
Streets will be closed, traffic will be detoured and stages will be set up in preparation for dozens of performers and thousands of jazz music fans.
Stages will be set up along Monroe Street between Main and Ocean streets, near the Skyway station in Hemming Plaza and in the courtyard at the Landing.
Artists and vendors will sell paintings, sculptures, photographs and food and beverages.
The festival begins Thursday with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, a tradition more than 20 years old, at the Florida Theatre.
Five pianists will perform for an audience and judges, with the winner scheduled to play at 2 p.m. Saturday on the big stage along Monroe Street.
The festival continues 5-11 p.m. Friday with acts on all three stages. The festival is open 1-11 p.m. Saturday. The music begins at 2 p.m. Sunday and is set to finish at 10 p.m.
Also in the Florida Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, it's the inaugural "Off Jazz Concert" featuring Brian McKnight and Avant.
It's the City's way of adding some R&B to the jazz lineup.
Another new aspect this year, "Jazz After Dark," is scheduled 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, when nightclubs along East Bay, Forsyth and Ocean streets will offer late-night jazz entertainment after the festival acts have left the stage.
The Omni Downtown will host a brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday with omelet and carving stations.
General admission to the festival is free. "Experience Jazz" VIP packages, preferred-seating day passes and merchandise will be available for sale during the festival.
For details, visit jaxjazzfest.com.
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