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.
Leading up to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival’s main event, Aug. 16-17, Sarah McKenzie, an Australian student attending Berklee College of Music, will play the final SJSF/Berklee Summer Series concert of 2014 in Derby Square, Salem, on Saturday, Aug. 9.
