10th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival produced by Blues to Green. The annual Springfield Jazz & Roots is a family-friendly free festival that amplifies Springfield’s rich culture, drawing thousands of visitors and serving as a catalyst for the city’s renaissance as a thriving cultural hub of the Pioneer Valley.
The festival brings diverse people of all ages together outdoors in the heart of Springfield to enjoy the rich sounds of jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa and more from top tier performers. Our Jazz & Justice Speaker Series, a popular feature of the festival, explores the history and cultural roots of the music, the social contexts out of which it has risen, and issues of racial and climate justice.
The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival takes place at Stearns Square and Tower Square Park area. SCHEDULE
AVERY SHARPE – The 400 Project
Avery Sharpe’s project, “400 An African American Musical Portrait”, was recorded in 2018 for it’s 2019 release on JKNM Records. Sharpe decided to mark the 400th year of Africans being brought to the US shores in Virginia in 1619 as enslaved people with a musical portrait/recording.
The project was originally conceived for small choir and Avery’s sextet. To help commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival, Avery has combined his group and his Extended Family Choir with members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Chorus, to bring about an unbelievable collaboration for the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. Sharpe has expanded the compositions and added instrumentation, to express 400 in the most powerful way possible.
Saturday July 22 3:50 PM – 5:00 PM at The Charles Neville Main Stage
EVAN ARNTZEN
Evan Arntzen, the Canadian-born musician with a distinct and expressive sound, continues to captivate audiences and earn praise from acclaimed writer Ricky Riccardi, a Grammy Award winner. Raised in East Vancouver, Evan’s passion for music was sparked by the vibrant melodies of New Orleans. Under the guidance of his grandfather, Lloyd Arntzen, he delved into the art of New Orleans-style clarinet at a young age.Evan’s exceptional skills can be heard on recordings by Bria Skonberg, Kat Edmonson, Loudon Wainwright III, and award-winning soundtracks for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Bessie. As a bandleader, he has released three highly acclaimed albums: “Evan Arntzen Meets La Section Rythmique” (2017), “Jazz Crush” (2019), and “Countermelody” (2021).
Throughout his career, Evan has had the privilege of performing and recording with numerous notable artists, including Scott Robinson and Jason Marsalis. He has also participated in special performances such as the 2010 Paralympic Opening Ceremonies and Michael Bublé’s Christmas Specials in 2012 and 2013.
Saturday July 22 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at The Charles Neville Main Stage
RON SMITH & THE SOULFUL JAZZ TRIO
Experience the sounds of Ron Smith & The Soulful Jazz Trio, a group comprised of Western Massachusetts’ most accomplished musicians, educators, and entertainers. These highly skilled artists share their love and passion for jazz and instrumental pop music, captivating audiences with their performances.
From renowned events like The Indie Soul Music Festival and Northampton Jazz Festival to intimate venues such as Dewey’s Jazz Lounge and The Wurst Haus, The Soulful Jazz Trio has enchanted crowds across the region. Led by Ron Smith, a talented saxophonist, bassist, and percussionist, alongside Jo Sallins, a versatile bassist, keyboardist, and percussionist, and Kevin Sharpe, a multi-talented drummer, bassist, and keyboardist, this trio creates the sound of a full six-piece ensemble.
Prepare yourself for a day of expressive and energetic music that will leave you mesmerized.
Saturday July 22 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at The Urban Roots Stage
Don’t let the rain deter you from coming to the festival. Grab your favorite umbrella and join us! If severe weather affects any part of the event, we will make announcements on-site, or you can check our social media for updates in real-time.
10th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival produced by Blues to Green. The annual Springfield Jazz & Roots is a family-friendly free festival that amplifies Springfield’s rich culture, drawing thousands of visitors and serving as a catalyst for the city’s renaissance as a thriving cultural hub of the Pioneer Valley.
The festival brings diverse people of all ages together outdoors in the heart of Springfield to enjoy the rich sounds of jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa and more from top tier performers. Our Jazz & Justice Speaker Series, a popular feature of the festival, explores the history and cultural roots of the music, the social contexts out of which it has risen, and issues of racial and climate justice.
The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival takes place at Stearns Square and Tower Square Park area. SCHEDULE
AVERY SHARPE – The 400 Project
Avery Sharpe’s project, “400 An African American Musical Portrait”, was recorded in 2018 for it’s 2019 release on JKNM Records. Sharpe decided to mark the 400th year of Africans being brought to the US shores in Virginia in 1619 as enslaved people with a musical portrait/recording.
The project was originally conceived for small choir and Avery’s sextet. To help commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival, Avery has combined his group and his Extended Family Choir with members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Chorus, to bring about an unbelievable collaboration for the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. Sharpe has expanded the compositions and added instrumentation, to express 400 in the most powerful way possible.
Saturday July 22 3:50 PM – 5:00 PM at The Charles Neville Main Stage
EVAN ARNTZEN
Evan Arntzen, the Canadian-born musician with a distinct and expressive sound, continues to captivate audiences and earn praise from acclaimed writer Ricky Riccardi, a Grammy Award winner. Raised in East Vancouver, Evan’s passion for music was sparked by the vibrant melodies of New Orleans. Under the guidance of his grandfather, Lloyd Arntzen, he delved into the art of New Orleans-style clarinet at a young age.Evan’s exceptional skills can be heard on recordings by Bria Skonberg, Kat Edmonson, Loudon Wainwright III, and award-winning soundtracks for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Bessie. As a bandleader, he has released three highly acclaimed albums: “Evan Arntzen Meets La Section Rythmique” (2017), “Jazz Crush” (2019), and “Countermelody” (2021).
Throughout his career, Evan has had the privilege of performing and recording with numerous notable artists, including Scott Robinson and Jason Marsalis. He has also participated in special performances such as the 2010 Paralympic Opening Ceremonies and Michael Bublé’s Christmas Specials in 2012 and 2013.
Saturday July 22 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at The Charles Neville Main Stage
RON SMITH & THE SOULFUL JAZZ TRIO
Experience the sounds of Ron Smith & The Soulful Jazz Trio, a group comprised of Western Massachusetts’ most accomplished musicians, educators, and entertainers. These highly skilled artists share their love and passion for jazz and instrumental pop music, captivating audiences with their performances.
From renowned events like The Indie Soul Music Festival and Northampton Jazz Festival to intimate venues such as Dewey’s Jazz Lounge and The Wurst Haus, The Soulful Jazz Trio has enchanted crowds across the region. Led by Ron Smith, a talented saxophonist, bassist, and percussionist, alongside Jo Sallins, a versatile bassist, keyboardist, and percussionist, and Kevin Sharpe, a multi-talented drummer, bassist, and keyboardist, this trio creates the sound of a full six-piece ensemble.
Prepare yourself for a day of expressive and energetic music that will leave you mesmerized.
Saturday July 22 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at The Urban Roots Stage
Don’t let the rain deter you from coming to the festival. Grab your favorite umbrella and join us! If severe weather affects any part of the event, we will make announcements on-site, or you can check our social media for updates in real-time.
