The Truth Staff
The Glass City JazzFest returns this summer for the fifth year and, as promised, it will be bigger and better than ever.
On Tuesday, June 30, Toledo City Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson, the driving force behind the JazzFest, along with the Great Lakes Jazz Society, held a press conference at the site of the Glass City Metroparks outdoor theater to reveal this year’s lineup and expanded weekend timeframe.
“This festival is more than just a concert series,” said McPherson in her opening remarks. “It is a celebration of Toledo’s musical heritage.” McPherson noted that the City of Toledo and the partners in JazzFest have made a commitment “to making the arts accessible to everyone.”
The weekend opens with a new site for the event, the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, on Friday, August 14, at 6 pm with a lineup of featured performers: Lindsey Webster, Bob Valdwin and Mike Williams. Tickets cost $20 on the day of the advent but $10 with advance purchase. Reserved seats are $20.
Williams is a sax plyer known for his smooth jazz sound; Baldwin is a pianist who has released more than 30 albums of contemporary jazz and R&B in his three-decade career; Webster is a vocalist who has emerged as one of contemporary jazz’s most distinctive voices.
On Saturday, the event moves to the Glass City Metropark with featured performers: Chris Standring, Kandace Springs, MINAS, Johnny O’Neal, Yuko Mabuchi and Michon Young. As usual admission is free at the Metropark.
Young, a Detroit-based vocalist is recognized for her smooth blend of jazz, R&B ans soul; Mabuchi, a Japanese-born pianist uses her electrifying technique to construct innovative arrangements and dynamic fusion of jazz, classical and contemporary influences; O’Neal a master pianist, vovalist and composer is widely regarded as one of the premier interpreters of the jazz tradition; MINAS is a husband and wife duo who combine Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz and world music influences; Springs a Nashville-born singer, songwriter and pianist is renowned for her soulful blend of jazz, R&B and pop; Standring a British guitarist is know for his signature blend of jazz, funk and soul.
Later, on Saturday night, there will be a post-festival Jazz Jam at the Assembly American Brasserie in the Downtown Hilton Hotel.
Hugh Ross, president of the Great Lakes Jazz Society, who has put together the talent for the JazzFest, described the two-day lineup highlighting the talents of each musician or group.
“If you are over 35, please get your rest,” said Ross of the weekend of activities people will enjoy. Ross also spoke of the benefit to the city’s economy that will occur due to the expanded festival – hotels and restaurants will see a financial boon.
“We’re attracting talent and visitors from all over,” said Caleigh Heuring, director of Marketing and Destination Engagement at Destination Toledo, following up on Ross’s point. That weekend, said Heuring, will be a “fully activated weekend in Toledo” with the festival, baseball games and Toledo night market action. Heuring expects a half-mission dollar boon to the city’s economy, primarily for hotels and restaurants.
TARTA is also a big part of the JazzFest weekend. On Saturday, visitors who are driving can park in the large lots on the Docks side of the river and TARTA will shuttle for free to the concert site – the parking is free also.