The Leon Levine Foundation presents Charlotte Jazz Festival, from April 29th, 2019, to May 4th. It features Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. See the whole schedule and buy tickets here. The festival also includes several free events. Read about all the free events in detail. Here’s a quick list, but check back soon, because the list might grow.
Charlotte Jazz Festival is part of Charlotte SHOUT!, a festival of 75+ music, art, idea and food events from April 29th to May 11th, celebrating Charlotte’s 250th birthday.
Ticketed events at Charlotte Jazz Festival 2019
Most of the ticketed shows are part of the Blumenthal’s We Show Up program. This program allows you to pay what you think a show is worth, starting at $5. You make a reservation for $5, and then after the show you’ll get an email asking you what you’d like to pay.
Ticketed performances include:
- May 1st: Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Trio (Jazz Garden Tent at Romare Bearden Park)
- May 2nd: Havana Nights (Jazz Garden Tent at Romare Bearden Park)
- May 2nd: The Future of Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Ellington Through the Ages (Knight Theater)
- May 3rd: Ladies Sing the Blues: Donna Hopkins Band, Deva Mahal and Maria Muldaur
(Jazz Garden Tent at Romare Bearden Park) - May 3rd: Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Wynton Marsalis’ Spaces (Knight Theater)
- May 4th: Saturday Morning Jazz Brew featuring Ocie Davis and Friends (Jazz Garden at Romare Bearden Park)
- May 4th: Gentlemen of Jazz featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Paul Nedzela, Kenny Rampton, and Carlos Henriquez (Jazz Garden at Romare Bearden Park)
- May 4th: Patina Miller Sings Nina Simone (Knight Theater)
Free events at Charlotte Jazz Festival 2019
Second Line Parade
Saturday, May 4th, 2019
4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Levine Avenue of the Arts
Free
A perennial favorite, the New Orlean’s style Second Line Parade, returns to the Charlotte Jazz Festival! Join in the FREE fun, strutting with the band, twirling umbrellas and celebrating America’s own original art form.
Lunch Hour Jazz
Monday, April 29th, through Friday, May 3rd
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Jazz Pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts
- April 29th: Calvin Edwards Trio (straight ahead jazz)
- April 30th: Airstream (alternative jazz)
- May 1st: Ariel Pocock Quartet (classic soul jazz)
- May 2nd: Shrimp and Grits (modern jazz)
- May 3rd: Pharez Whitted Group (straight ahead/modern jazz)
Late Night Jams
Friday, May 3rd, and Saturday, May 4th
11 p.m.
Knight Underground, underneath the Knight Theater
Join us for Late Night Jams in the Knight Underground, a speakeasy-themed hideaway located below the Knight Theater! Musicians performing as part of the Charlotte Jazz Festival keep the jazz going late into the night. These fan-favorite jam sessions are high-energy. totally improvised and the perfect nightcap. You never know who might show up…
Jazz at the Pavilion
Friday, May 3rd, at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 4th, 1:30 p.m.
Jazz Pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts
Thursday, May 2nd
- 5:30 p.m.: Laura Reed
- 7 p.m.: Noel Friedline
Friday, May 3rd
- 5:30 p.m.: Jazz Arts Allstars Youth Ensemble
- 7 p.m.: Kobie Watkins Grouptet
- 8:30 pm.: Dawn Anthony and the Synergy Jazz Ensemble
- 10 p.m.: Sharp Nine Sextet
Saturday, May 4th
- 1 p.m.: Groove 8
- 2:30 p.m.: Tim Scott and Friends
- 4 .m.: Jazz Band Showcase
- 6 p.m.: Karen Gordon
- 7:30 p.m.: Al Strong
- 9 p.m.: The Reggie Sullivan Project
Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition
Saturday, May 4th
2 p.m.
The Jazz Garden Tent at Romare Bearden Park
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
