April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and cities around the world are jamming out with festivals all month long. Here’s a look at seven of the month’s top jazz festivals from around the world.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, April 26-May 5
Jazz music flows through New Orleans all year round, especially from the constant stream of street performances in the French Quarter. But every April, the city celebrates this soulful form of expression with the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held over two weekends. This year’s star-studded list of headliners includes B.B. King, Billy Joel and Maroon 5.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival, April 5-6
This weekend festival draws more than 30,000 people to the seaside South African town, and it attracts both African artists and international heavy hitters. The can’t miss event? The free community concert held in Greenmarket Square, headlined by the festival’s top artists.
Pensacola Jazz Fest, April 6-7
Held under the shady trees of Seville Park Square, this annual weekend festival brings the sounds of big band, contemporary, traditional, New Orleans and Latin jazz to Pensacola. Best of all, the festival is free for all to attend.
Jazzkaar in Estonia, April 19-28
Estonia’s annual jazz festival brings international jazz stars to Marina Pavilion in the historic city of Tallinn, just off the Baltic Sea. On Friday and Saturday nights, the music continues into the wee hours of the night as the pavilion transforms into a club. On Sundays, you can recover with free concerts held throughout the public spaces of Tallinn’s Old Town.
Ballard Jazz Festival, April 17-20
Just 20 minutes outside Seattle, the Ballard Jazz Festival includes four days of concerts held across 15 venues. The Jazz Walk and Swedish Pancake Jazz Brunch are two of the festival’s most popular events.
Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz Festival, April 27-28
Jazz music fills the open-air Clark County Government Amphitheater during this picnic-style weekend festival. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers packed with goodies to carry you into the night.
Arizona Jazz Festival, April 12-14
The Isley Brothers, Jill Scott and India.Arie will perform at this year’s Arizona Jazz Festival, a three-day celebration of smooth jazz. The festival is held at The Wigwam resort in Litchfield Park, half an hour from Phoenix.
(Main image: canorus)
