Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2024: A Celebration of Music, Community, and Culture

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival’s 18th annual event, held on August 17, 2024, at Salem Willows, was a resounding success that once again brought together music lovers, families, and community members for a day of exceptional performances, education, and community spirit.

A Day of Unforgettable Performances

The festival kicked off with the talented Salem High School Jazz Band, showcasing the bright future of jazz in our community. Their performance set the tone for a day filled with diverse and captivating music.

Barrence Whitfield and Four Piece Suit electrified the crowd with their high-energy fusion of soul and eclectic instrumentals. At the same time, The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra transported attendees to the streets of New Orleans with their vibrant brass sound.

Yahuba Garcia’s Boogaloo Collective celebrated the merger of Salsa and R&B, getting everyone on their feet. Sonya Rae Taylor closed out the night with her unique blend of blues, jazz, funk, and soul, leaving the audience in awe.

DJ Skot Void kept the energy high between sets with his carefully curated mix of northern soul, rare funk, and deep disco vinyl.

Education and Community Engagement

The festival’s commitment to music education was evident in the interactive education tent, where attendees of all ages could learn about various instruments, music theory, and the rich history of jazz and soul music. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival organizers were thrilled to see so many young faces light up with excitement as they discovered the joy of making music.

A Testament to Community Support

This free event would not have been possible without our sponsors’ generous support and our volunteers’ dedication. The beer garden, featuring Back Beat Brewing, was a popular spot for attendees to relax and enjoy refreshments while listening to the music.

Festival director Larry Claflin Jr. expressed his gratitude: “We are overwhelmed by the support from our community, sponsors, and volunteers. Their dedication to keeping this festival free and accessible to all is what makes Salem Jazz and Soul Festival a true community event.”

Looking Ahead

As the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival continues to grow and evolve, the organizers remain committed to their mission of celebrating Salem’s rich musical heritage, supporting music education, and bringing the community together through the universal language of music.

The success of this year’s event has already sparked excitement for next year’s festival. While the date for the 2025 event has yet to be announced, music lovers can rest assured that the tradition of free, high-quality music in Salem will continue.

Thank You to Our Community

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival organizers would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, or sponsored this year’s event. Your support and enthusiasm are what make this festival a cornerstone of Salem’s cultural calendar.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on future events and ways to get involved. Together, we’ll keep the music playing in Salem for years to come.

Photos by Creative Collective

THE SALEM JAZZ AND SOUL FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SALEM WILLOWS FOR ITS 18TH SEASON ON AUGUST 17, 2024

FREE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES SALEM’S RICH HISTORIC CONNECTION TO JAZZ AND SOUL MUSIC AND BENEFITS LOCAL MUSIC EDUCATION

You may know Salem for being spooky in October, but it’s groovy and soulful in summer, Daddio!  Don’t miss the return of the nonprofit Salem Jazz and Soul Festival for their 18th season event on August 17, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Salem Willows Park at 165 Fort Avenue in Salem, Mass.  

Plan for a beautiful oceanfront day at the Willows Bandshell. Get down to a showcase of fantastic bands providing soulful melodies and jazz rhythms, enjoy music education clinics for the community, craft booths, artisan vendors, merchandise tents, and a refreshing beer garden, and enjoy great music for a greater cause! All funds raised go towards supporting music education initiatives throughout Boston’s North Shore. Great music for a greater cause! 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

11 a.m. – Noon – Salem High School Jazz Band

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.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Barrence Whitfield and Four Piece Suit 

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!

2 p.m.  – 3 p.m. – The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra

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.

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Yahuba Garcia’s Boogaloo Collective

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!

5:30 p.m.  – 7 p.m.: Sonya Rae Taylor

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.

Between All Live Music Sets – DJ Skot Void 

DJ Skot Void has been in and around Salem and the North Shore for the past 15 years. A record collector and DJ first, Skot plans on spinning a set of northern soul, rare funk, and deep disco jukebox 45s from his expansive vinyl collection. 

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The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is recreating and renewing the vibrant jazz scene that began at the Salem Willows in the early 20th century, when the leaders of the Big Band era played at the seaside park’s ballroom.. The festival builds on this rich jazz history — adding soul, blues, and funk to the mix — by offering a series of annual free concerts to the public, concluding with our annual main festival.

It’s an opportunity to bring our community together over a shared love of jazz and soul entertainment and appreciation of art and education at a historic place where you can still hear echoes of Duke Ellington resonating from his first stint here almost 100 years ago,” said Festival president Larry Claflin Jr.  “We aim to amplify those good vibes with the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival and with our giving initiatives in the community, as well as a lot more evenings of entertainment throughout the year.”

The Salem Willows of the 1920’s featured the Charleshurst Ballroom at the location that now houses the Willows Casino.  Due in part to the convenience of its location on the east coast circuit’s coastline pathway, the nightspot attracted big bands from around the country.  Owner Charlie Shribman facilitated appearances of many of the greats in the Salem area: Count Basie, Guy Lombardo, Glen Miller, and perhaps most notably Duke Ellington for a run of shows in the summer of 1927, shortly after Bostonians Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney joined Ellington’s line up on alto and baritone sax, respectively.  Reviews of the day confirmed that Ellington’s appearances “…set New England ‘dance crazy’,” and the Jazz And Soul Festival is here to keep it that way!

ABOUT SALEM JAZZ AND SOUL FESTIVAL

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival began in the early aught when a group of imaginative residents of Salem – a city teeming with gifted musicians – proposed starting a music festival celebrating the rich history of jazz and soul music in the area.  Set with a goal to bring the diverse community together with a plan to use the festival as an engine for music education, the group grew into a team, adding musicians, actors, writers, promoters, and businesspeople from the North Shore until the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival was fully formed with a dedicated board of directors. The festival’s inaugural fundraiser, a sold-out event, occurred on April 21, 2007.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival draws thousands of visitors yearly to enjoy a free day-long concert at the Salem Willows and several concerts and events.  So far, the festival board has hosted over 100 free concerts and raised over $70,000  to support music education efforts throughout the North Shore. 

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces free concerts and supports music-education causes on Massachusetts’ North Shore.  The festival is passionately dedicated to enriching the North Shore’s cultural landscape. It orchestrates a spectacular array of free concerts that showcase a vibrant mix of jazz and soul music and other genres. Moreover, the organization actively fundraises to provide vital financial support to music education initiatives throughout the North Shore region, fostering the next generation of musical talent.

Salem Jazz And Soul Festival Website

Facebook Festival Page   

Facebook Event Page  

Instagram Page   

GIVING INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Made grants to area group homes and after-school music programs
  • Initiated music education program at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem
  • Donated money and new equipment to North Shore high school jazz bands
  • Produced more than 100 free concerts
  • Developed an intern program in which local students can learn audio production
  • Running an annual music-related art contest for children in elementary school
  • Funded an 8-week interactive workshop for children in the neurodivergent spectrum
  • Disbursed scholarships for students to attend regional music camps
  • Created a monthly music series for grade-schoolers at Salem Public Library and homeless families at a North Shore hotel
  • Won Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Gold Star Award in 2013

2024 FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2024: Performer lineup

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!

#SalemJazzAndSoul #LocalMusic #FreeFestival #SalemWillows

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is coming on August 17, 2024

Get ready to mark your calendars and let the rhythm move you because the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is coming back to enchant the North Shore with its 18th season on August 17, 2024! This beloved event just took a significant step forward, securing permission to fill the scenic Salem Willows Bandshell with soulful melodies and jazz rhythms that promise a day of unforgettable musical bliss.

This festival isn’t just any event; it’s a beacon of community spirit, entirely powered by the dedication of volunteers. It stands as a testament to the power of music, bringing free concerts to our shores and supporting music education throughout the North Shore.

The festival’s heart beats stronger this year, with a revitalized board brimming with local talent and returning founders who are more passionate than ever. Matt Caruso and Larry Claflin Jr., two of the original visionaries, have rejoined, ready to steer this ship into a future filled with more music, education, and community engagement.

Music Education at SJSF
Musical Instrument experimentation at SJSF’s Main Festival. Photo Credit: Creative Collective

But what’s a festival without its lineup? Though details are still under wraps, expect early spring to bring announcements that will have you dancing with anticipation. And on festival day, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., you’ll experience the magic of five bands, immerse yourself in music education, and, fingers crossed, enjoy a refreshing beer tent and browse artisan vendors.

As we gear up for this spectacular day, let’s not forget the journey here. From unanimous support by Salem’s Park and Recreation Commission to exciting plans for expansion and increased support for music education, every step brings us closer to a festival that’s more vibrant and enriching than ever before.

So, whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or this will be your first dance with us at the Willows, get ready for a day filled with the soul-stirring power of jazz and community spirit. Keep an eye on salemjazzsoul.org for updates, and join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy and bright future of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. Let’s make history together on August 17, 2024, and prove once again that music is the lifeblood of our vibrant community.

Special thank you to our growing list of corporate sponsors. If you want to support us personally, check out our crowdfunding campaign!

Announcing the Band Lineup for the 2023 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 🎶

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival! This amazing celebration of music and community is back on August 19th, 2023, at the picturesque Salem Willows. As always, our festival aims to unite us through the power of music, bringing joy and harmony to our vibrant community.

This year, we’re back with a bang, promising a day filled with spectacular live musical performances, enlightening educational workshops, an array of vendors, a beer tent for those adults looking to relax, and so much more. No matter your age or musical preference, this event has something for everyone!

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a passionate commitment to offering music and music education opportunities to our North Shore community. We embrace all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, orientation, or gender expression, to join us in this grand celebration of life and music.

Drumroll, Please… 🥁

We are immensely proud to announce the fantastic lineup for this year’s festival:

  • Krewe de Skunk
  • TapRoots
  • Diane Blue All Stars
  • BT/ALC Big Band
  • Salem High School Jazz Band

Plus, the crowd-favorite, DJ SKOTVOID will be returning to spin between sets! This is a lineup you simply can’t afford to miss!

Our Wonderful Sponsors 🎉

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors:

  • PEM
  • The City of Salem through the American Rescue Plan Act
  • The Lobster Shanty
  • Wolf Next Door Coffee
  • Creative Collective
  • Rotary Club of Salem
  • SOSS Records
  • Mahi Mahi Cruises

Breweries featured in the Beer Garden (21+)

Far From the Tree Cider

Gentile Brewing Co. 

East Regiment Brewing Co. 

Backbeat Brewing Co.

Their support has been invaluable in making this festival a reality.

Join Us in Celebrating Music 🎷

Mark your calendars, bring your loved ones, and join us in this joyous celebration of Jazz and Soul! The 2023 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable day, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s support live music, let’s support our community, and let’s have a great time!

Come one, come all – because this is a free event and no one should miss out on this incredible day of music and community. See you there!

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2023: A Celebration of Music and Community

We’re thrilled to announce the triumphant return of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival to the picturesque Salem Willows on August 19th, 2023, from 11 AM to 7 PM!

After a few years of uncertainty due to the global pandemic, we’re ready to bring back the rhythm to the Salem Willows, and invite you to celebrate the enduring spirit of our community, the rich history of jazz, soul, and the love for live music.

An Unforgettable Day of Music

This year’s festival promises to be an extravaganza of live music and much more! You can look forward to thrilling performances from bands like Krewe de Skunk, TapRoots, Diane Blue All Stars, BT/ALC Big Band, and Salem High School Jazz Band.

Adding to the excitement, we’re delighted to announce that DJ SKOTVOID will be returning to spin some tunes between sets, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and energetic all day long!

A Festival for All

Beyond the music, the festival also features educational workshops for budding musicians and enthusiasts, a wide variety of vendors for your shopping delight, and a beer tent for those looking to savor some craft brews. This community event promises a good time for all, irrespective of age or background.

A Mission of Music Education

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is more than just a music event. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide live music and music education opportunities for the North Shore community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, orientation, or gender expression. This festival is our love letter to music and the community supporting it.

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’re grateful to our generous sponsors, including the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), SOSS Records, The Lobster Shanty, and Mahi Mahi Cruises, who have made this event possible. Their support underscores local organizations’ commitment to arts, culture, and our community’s vibrancy and resilience.

Join Us!

We warmly invite you to join us for this free, incredible event and support live music. So mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and let’s share in the joy of music together! 🎶

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2020 has been cancelled

With a heavy heart we are forced to cancel the 2020 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 🙁

Our last newsletter opened with the line: “2019 presented challenges, the likes of which had not been seen since our inception in 2007.” Well, it appears that 2020 saw that as a personal challenge because so far, this year has shown us all a whole new level of ‘challenging’.

As of right now, The Salem Jazz and Soul festival is forced to cancel our 2020 season due to Covid-19. Cancelled events include:

– Our spring fundraiser
– Our Derby Square series: May 9th, June 13th, July 11th and August 8th
– The 2020 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival at Salem Willows: August 15th and 16th, 2020

This is due to multiple factors first and foremost of which is the safety and health of our fans and musicians. We are following and complying with the directions and mandates of the State of Massachusetts and the City of Salem regarding gatherings and events. We have every plan to come back stronger than ever in 2021!