Mark your calendars, music lovers! The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is back, bringing an electrifying day of music to Salem Willows on August 17th, 2024. This free event showcases an impressive local and regional talent lineup, offering a perfect blend of jazz, soul, funk, and more. Let’s dive into what makes this year’s festival a can’t-miss event!
The Lineup: A Musical Journey
Salem High School Jazz Band (11 a.m. – noon)
Kicking off our day is the talented Salem High School Jazz Band. These young musicians have earned outstanding ratings at national festivals and even performed at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans! Led by the accomplished Cyndi Napierkowski, this ensemble represents the bright future of jazz and the excellence of Salem’s music education.
Barrence Whitfield and Four Piece Suit (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
Get ready for a high-energy performance as Barrence Whitfield joins forces with Four Piece Suit. Whitfield, known for his incredible vocals and boundless energy, brings the spirit of classic soul screamers to the stage. Four Piece Suit, with their eclectic instrumental style, provides the perfect backdrop for Whitfield’s powerful delivery. Expect a set that will get you up and moving!
The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra (2 – 3 p.m.)
Transport yourself to the streets of New Orleans with The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra. This 14-piece ensemble, led by Carlos Menezes Jr., delivers a vibrant mix of funk, soul, and brassy second-line rhythms. With a rotating cast of the North Shore’s top horn players, they’ll bring the Big Easy right to Salem Willows.
Yahuba Garcia’s Boogaloo Collective (3:30 – 5 p.m.)
Yahuba Garcia-Torres brings us the Boogaloo Collective, a project celebrating the merger of Salsa and R&B from 1960s-70s New York City. With an all-star lineup of New England musicians, including special guests, this performance promises to be a journey through a pivotal era of music history. Get ready to dance to the infectious rhythms of boogaloo!
Sonya Rae Taylor (5:30 – 7 p.m.)
Closing out our festival is the dynamic Sonya Rae Taylor. Known for her soaring vocals and masterful guitar work, Taylor, along with her husband Ryan Taylor and a stellar band, delivers a sound that’s deeply rooted in blues, jazz, funk, and soul, yet uniquely modern. With catchy hooks and captivating songcraft, Sonya Rae Taylor is the perfect act to cap off an incredible day of music.
DJ SKOT VOID (spinning between sets all day)
Keeping the energy high between sets is Salem’s own DJ SKOT VOID. A fixture in the North Shore music scene, SKOT VOID will be spinning an eclectic mix of tunes to keep the festival vibes going strong all day long.
Special thank you to our festival sponsors, the City of Salem and Creative Collective, for supporting our festival with donated marketing, technical assistance, and content curation support.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Festival
1. Free Admission: World-class music without the hefty price tag!
2. Local Talent: Support and celebrate our community’s incredible musicians.
3. Diverse Genres: There’s something for every music lover, from student jazz bands to soul screamers to salsa fusion.
4. Beautiful Venue: Enjoy the music against the backdrop of historic Salem Willows on Salem Harbor.
5. Family-Friendly: A perfect outing for music fans of all ages.
6. Community Spirit: Experience Salem’s vibrant culture and togetherness.
7. Discover New Sounds: Expand your musical horizons with our eclectic lineup.
A Brief History of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival began as a celebration of Salem’s rich jazz heritage, harking back to the days when the Salem Willows hosted jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Founded by a group of local music enthusiasts, the festival has grown from a small, grassroots event to a beloved annual tradition.
Over the years, the festival has maintained its commitment to showcasing local talent, supporting music education, and providing free access to live music for the community. The festival nurtures the next generation of artists by featuring student musicians alongside established acts while honoring the genre’s rich history.
From its inception, the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has been more than just a music event – it’s a testament to the power of community, the universal language of music, and the enduring spirit of Salem’s cultural scene.
Join us on August 17th at Salem Willows for unforgettable music, community spirit, and summer fun. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is where our local music scene shines brightest – be part of the magic!
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