43rd Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland

There are people who love jazz, and then there’s everyone else. To many music historians, jazz is American classical music, and with the lineups that appear year after year at Tri-C’s JazzFest, it’s easy to see why.

The 43rd Annual Tri-C JazzFest runs June 23-25 in the historic theaters of Playhouse Square and Cleveland Public Auditorium with free performances outside on U.S. Bank Plaza, under the world’s largest permanent crystal chandelier, over the weekend.

For over four decades, JazzFest has admirably carried out their mission to foster the history and nurture the future of jazz, provide educational opportunities for students of all ages and in all walks of life, and bring world-class jazz to Cleveland.

Passes are sold out, but single tickets are on sale now. 

Indoor Lineup

The 43rd annual festival features eight ticketed concerts in Playhouse Square’s historic theatres, with a special opening night concert — dedicated to retiring Tri-C President Alex Johnson — featuring Anthony Hamilton at Cleveland Public Auditorium’s Music Hall.

Festival highlights include homecoming concerts by native Clevelanders Joe Lovano and Sean Jones in addition to performances by vocalist Cyrille Aimée and legendary pianist Eddie Palmieri. In addition, jam with Brian Culbertson, Ghost-Note, Raul Midón and a special performance by the Tri-C JazzFest All-Star Big Band under the direction of John Clayton  featuring John Pizzarelli and more.

Outdoor Lineup

You want free Jazz open to all ages? How about shopping, food and beverage vendors, street performers and even more festival entertainment? That's what you'll get at Tri-C JazzFest's Outdoor Festival happening right underneath the GE Chandelier at U.S. Bank Plaza.

The Strassman Insurance Stage features local and regional talent selected by a jury of music industry experts that includes jazz, gospel, funk and rock that will keep the dance floor full all festival long. Meanwhile, the William M. Weiss Foundation Next Gen Stage will showcase Tri-C JazzFest Academy camp students, the Spirit of the Groove ensemble and former students who have passed through the program throughout the years.

Kids will love the U.S. Bank Kids Club tent at Huron and Euclid, which will be chock full of musical arts and crafts, drum lessons, face painting, games a magician and fun for the whole family. The Jazz Kitchen will feature cooking demos and tips from the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center and interviews with featured artists. All this combined with the Ohio Lottery Beer Tent, Art Acts Giant Puppets, Food Trucks and more vendors, performers and games that will entertain and delight between sets.

Get down to Tri-C JazzFest and, well, get DOWN.
 

Need a nearby hotel?

Make it a full multi-day getaway to The Land. Book an overnight stay Downtown at one of the properties here.