Big news for the 18th annual Jazz Fest this year on the Murfreesboro square… Dr. Gloria Bonner told WGNS’ Bart Walker…
The Drifters are an American Doo-Wop and R&B vocal group that were formed in 1953. One of their many hit songs was “Under the Boardwalk.” Here’s the kicker… the Drifters won’t play until after the JazzFest is over Saturday night. Dr. Bonner told us they will go on stage at about 10:00, May 3rd.
The Jazz Fest will be heard on Friday and Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd in front of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse. The concerts are all free!
Also at the Event:
The music committee has put its final stamp of approval on a lineup that features regional and local talent including Marcus Finnie Band, Dara Tucker and Quintet, Joe Davidian and Friends, Joe Johnson, and the 129thArmy Jazz Band.
Also on tap for Saturday slots are local groups in the form of the Murfreesboro Youth Jazz Orchestra, MTSU Jazz Ensemble I and MTSU Faculty Combo.
On Friday night, area high school bands will be on the bill for what will surely be a jam-packed evening featuring some of the county’s rising talent.
Main Street Murfreesboro Executive Director Kathleen Herzog is excited about this year’s lineup and said, “all artists are thrilled to be at this year’s festival.”
Children’s activities will take place on Saturday morning while Jazz After Dark will return after a year hiatus.
For newcomers, Jazz After Dark is a concept to keep the music going into the late hours of the night on the Square. After the final notes hit on the main stage on Saturday, participating restaurants and music venues will feature live jazz acts for the remainder of the night, in an effort to keep the party alive.
JazzFest has been a major player in Rutherford County with the development and education of jazz music among all ages. Since its conception, the pace at which area schools have started jazz bands has increased exponentially.
The festival will attract thousands of visitors to the Square in Murfreesboro over this two-day span and the event is free for all ages.
