Listen to the Music at the Franklin Jazz Festival
Franklin Jazz Festival in historic downtown Franklin
This year marks the 17th annual Franklin Jazz Festival brought to you by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County and the Downtown Franklin Association produced by Zia Music Production.
The festival continues in its mission to “showcase high-quality entertainment and to acquaint the public with the restored historic downtown Franklin area.” This year’s event will include more food vendors, an expanded children’s area, and a musical petting zoo. Also, new this year, the Franklin Jazz Festival is teaming up with the Franklin Classic by providing music after the race and donating proceeds from the children’s activities. The festival producer, Scott Ducaj, said he wanted to combine the two and “help Mercy Children’s Clinic in any way.”
The Franklin Jazz Festival kicks off Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3:30 p.m. and continues into the evening with artists like “Jerry Tachoir,” “The Beegie Adair Trio,” “The Pat Coil Quartet,” a surprise Grammy artist (to be named August 21st) and the Headliner of the evening “The Joe Lovano Quartet” starting at 8:15 p.m. The New York Times writes, “It’s fair to say that he’s one of the greatest musicians in jazz history.” He also was the 2004 and 2005 Down beat Critic’s & Reader’s Polls Winner of the “Tenor Saxophonist of the Year” and received the New York Times Jazz Album of the Year recognition. Scott explains Sunday is for the more serious jazz fans while Monday’s lineup is a “family-friendly jazz day based around the race.”
Monday the music kicks off at the start of the race with the “The Heritage Dixieland Band” and runner’s will get to enjoy the sounds of “The Scat Springs Band” as they cross the finish line. Live music will continue until 6:00 p.m. with artists like “Som Brasileiro,” “J Johnson Band,” and “The Establishment.” The highlight on Monday at 4:15 pm will be the Nashville Jazz Orchestra playing a “Tribute to Ray Charles” featuring Perry Travis with added vocals of Connye Florence. “Perry Travis is an amazing entertainer and one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets,” said Ducaj.
In addition to live blues and jazz music, there will be festival food, children’s activities, and a Musical Petting Zoo from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Monday where children can get a chance to try out different musical instruments. Children’s activities will include a climbing wall, inflatable slide and other inflatable games where all proceeds will benefit Mercy Children’s Clinic. Tickets to the Jazz Festival are $5 at the gate, $3 for race participants with their number and FREE for children under three.
There is also a Patron’s Party Saturday night featuring the “Ron Shuff Review” from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Tickets cost $60 but include two Jazz Festival tickets useable either day, and two beverage tickets. Tickets for the Patrons Party can be purchased in advance at the Heritage Foundation or by calling 615.496.4333. For more information about the festival details including musical lineup and schedule, check the website at www.franklinjazzfestival.com or call the Jazz Line at 615.496.4333.
