The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a Memorial Day institution in town and has featured legendary performances over the years. Some of my favorites include Trombone Shorty, Regina Carter, Herbie Hancock, Ronnie Laws and Diane Schuur. Then again, there were some lean years when it was tough to bring in any big-name, national or international talent. Well, all that’s changed as this year’s lineup was just announced and it is STACKED! I expect to be there start to finish for three days as there’s both local and international talent that I want to see, and that’s just with the acts that I already know about. I’m sure that during the course of the weekend, I’ll discover new favorites as I always do. See below for the complete lineup. I’ve indicated the key acts for me in boldface and will be highlighting them in the coming weeks.
FRIDAY, MAY 26th
LEGENDS STAGE
The Pedrito Martinez Group | 7:00pm
Robert Glasper Experiment | 9:00pm
SATURDAY, MAY 27th
LEGENDS STAGE
The Allan Harris Band | 1:00pm
Regina Carter: Simply Ella | 3:00pm
Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Quintet | 5:00pm
Reńe Marie and Experiment in Truth | 7:00pm
Charles Lloyd Sky Trio | 9:00pm
CONTEMPORARY STAGE
Moonchild | 1:30pm
Nik West | 3:30pm
Nicholas Payton Afro-Caribbean Mixtape | 5:30pm
Macy Gray | 7:30pm
NEXT GEN STAGE
Little Tybee | 12:30pm
Harriet Tubman: The Band | 2:30pm
Deva Mahal | 4:30pm
Marquis Hill Blacktet | 6:30pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ JAM // PARK TAVERN AT PIEDMONT PARK
The Miles Davis Electric Band Tribute All Star Jam with Lil’ John Roberts feat. Russell Gunn and Miles Davis band member Mino Cinelu | 11:00pm
SUNDAY, MAY 28TH
LEGENDS STAGE
Dwight Andrews | 1:00pm
Joe Jennings & Howard Nicholson’s Life Force | 3:00pm
Celebrating Sarah: Kathleen Bertrand & Friends Honor Sarah Vaughan | 5:00pm
The Joe Gransden Big Band with Audrey Shakir | 7:00pm
The Ojeda Penn Experience | 8:00pm
Freddy Cole | 9:00pm
CONTEMPORARY STAGE
Frank Houston | 1:30pm
Kemba Cofield | 2:15pm
Darren English | 3:00pm
Cleveland P. Jones | 3:45pm
Julie Dexter and Jacob Deaton Duo featuring Rasheeda Ali | 4:30pm
Mamaniji Azanyah & Mastery | 5:15pm
Russell Gunn & African Drums meets Kebbi Williams’ Wolf Pack | 6:15pm
Mausiki Scales & Common Ground featuring Giwayen Mata | 7:30pm
NEXT GEN STAGE
Rialto Jazz for Kids | 12:30pm
Danii Roundtree | 2:30pm
Brenda Nicole Moorer | 4:30pm
Tivon Pennicott Quartet | 6:30pm