The 34th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival was announced by Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz. It is Wilmington’s premier music event, the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast and in tribute to Wilmington’s Clifford Brown. The festival is undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation to make it attractive for residents and visitors.
After being virtual in 2020 it will return to Rodney Square this year. The main stage concerts in Rodney Square will be held on Wednesday, August 4 through Sunday August 8 at 5:30 pm on weekdays, 12 pm on Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday. This is a free festival that is open to the public, but will follow whatever COVID-19 restrictions are in place during the time of the Festival.
“After more than three decades, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival stands as the crown jewel of Wilmington’s expanding music festival scene,” said Mayor Purzycki. “We adjusted for the pandemic last summer, but Tina and I can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors back to the beautiful, historic Rodney Square for some of the best jazz music around. While at the festival, I urge attendees to visit the many shops and restaurants in the surrounding Downtown District, which are returning to normal as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more and more people continue to get vaccinated.”
The performers and their bios for the 2021 Jazz Festival are available on their website. Visit the Festival Facebook and click here for more information.
Check out the schedule below.
The 2021 Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Event Schedule
Wednesday, August 4
Terell Stafford
Jazzmeia Horn
Kirk Whalum
Thursday, August 5
Malina Moye
Lakecia Benjamin
Eric Benet
Friday, August 6
Grover Washington, Jr. Legacy Band
Gerald Veasley
Dianne Reeves with John Beasley, Romero Lubambo, Reuben Rogers and Terreon Gully
Saturday, August 7
Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino Duo
Chien Chien Lu
Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra featuring Maya Belardo, Nadjah Nicole, Darnell Miller, Jackie Browne, Tony “Big Cat” Smith, Skip Bordley and Stacy Harcum along with the members of the orchestra.
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque
Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science with special guest Ms. Lisa Fischer
Kenny Barron Trio
Sunday, August 8
Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency Graduates’ Concert
Raphael Xavier’s: The Musician & The Mover
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