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 Duke Ellington and other musicians from the Big Band era played at the seaside park in Salem, Mass. 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.
SALEM WILLOWS -AN INTEGRAL PART OF JAZZ HISTORY
Rekindling the sparkling jazz ambiance that once echoed through Salem Willows in the early 20th century – a time when iconic figures like Duke Ellington and other Big Band era virtuosos graced the seaside park in Salem, Massachusetts – the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival breathes new life into this rich musical legacy. Incorporating an eclectic blend of soul, blues, and funk, we offer a series of annual concerts, free for the public to enjoy, culminating in our signature festival at the Willows every third weekend in August.
As we return to full swing post the COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment to nurturing the city’s musical spirit and fostering new generations of talent has never been stronger.
WHERE THE FESTIVAL STARTED
The genesis of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival took root in 2003 when a group of imaginative residents of Salem – a city teeming with gifted musicians – proposed the idea of starting a music festival. Spearheaded by Henley Douglas Jr. and Jonathan and Jennifer Reardon, they envisioned the festival as an engine for music education and even dreamed of constructing a performance space and music.
THE FESTIVAL RETURNS
In 2006, the festival idea, previously dormant, was ignited at a New Year’s party when Douglas shared the concept with Larry Claflin Jr., who enthusiastically responded, “Let’s do it.” Soon after, Sarah Corbett joined the initiative, and more passionate volunteers came on board week after week. The team grew, adding musicians, actors, writers, concert promoters, and businesspeople from the North Shore until the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival was fully formed with a dedicated board of directors. Within 10 weeks, the festival’s inaugural fundraiser, a sold-out event, took place on April 21, 2007.
Since then, the festival has become an annual celebration for North Shore residents each August at the Willows. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival now draws more than 6,000 visitors each year to enjoy a free two-day concert at the Salem Willows. In addition, we host the SJSF/Berklee Summer Series in downtown Salem on Saturdays from May to August in partnership with Berklee College of Music, the City of Salem Jazz Appreciation Day in April, and our annual fundraiser – the only ticketed event of the year.
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has hosted over 60 free concerts and raised over $55,000 to support music education efforts throughout the North Shore. We’re excited to keep the rhythm alive and look forward to continuing to serve our vibrant community.