An Additional Note on The Parking Issue - Remember we did touch on this in a previous blog, but this one is especially for those of you who may be coming to the Jazz Fest directly from The Summer Festival of the Arts:
Harrison Common is located on Walnut Street across from the MVR. All of the streets surrounding Harrison Common will be closed. The best way to get to the Youngstown Jazz Fest is to enter the YSU Wick Avenue deck from Wick Avenue. If you park on the third level there is easy access behind the McDonough Museum of Art and down the steps to Harrison Common. Or, park on the bottom level and easily walk out directly on to Harrison Common. You may also arrive early, attend the Summer Festival of the Arts, walk across Wick Avenue and down the steps along side the McDonough Museum. Watch for the Youngstown Jazz Fest signs directing you.

Tonight I felt I should offer a brief explanation about why we picked the wonderful artists we've chosen for this year's Jazz Fest - and OK, I guess a degree of transparency is in order, being that I am a musician - and that it's no secret that I am personally involved with one of the groups appearing.

Having had the opportunity to tour, perform overseas and to participate at length with some "Major Label" Artists, most of which were pleasant experiences, some not so much; what's incredibly obvious from those instances is that while The Majors always (and perhaps - SHOULD - note: I did say perhaps) get the most exposure, biggest paychecks, best dressing rooms and all of the perks in similar jazz festivals, the utter disparity between 'the little' artists who are in most instances far more talented and professional than the Major Label dudes they are opening up for is sometimes mind-boggling (think Twilight Zone...)

So, when presented with the task to choose the entertainment, I thought a different approach should be implemented. With Spyro Gyra's brilliant display of why they've been trendsetters in Modern Jazz for the past 30 years last year, coupled with the tenacity of David Benoit's aggressive band still in my head, I knew I had to come up with a "Killer Line Up" that, still somewhat under the radar of Star Status (although, each group has performed or recorded with an artist of note) would absolutely WOW You with their performance prowess. I also wanted to put together a show that would rival what the larger surrounding cities are presenting, while simultaneously appealing to every sub-genre that Jazz has to offer...only with completely INDEPENDENT ARTISTS!

Yes, that's right, each of these Artists have No Major Label Funding, No International Distribution, No Corporate Pocketbooks backing them - but each and everyone of them have to sing for their supper each night by doing their own booking, promotion, management & marketing and selling their product from city to city while playing their patooties off, honing their craft.

This Year's Jazz Fest promises to foster a Family Friendly, Easy Going, Comfortable Environment where the Community can just Come Together and Hang Out!!

Firstly, it's a FREE Event. Yup! All this Great Entertainment purely for the benefit of Enjoying Each Other's Company!              I don't want to get too sentimental here, but jazz music in all of its complexities is simply about collaboration. The musicians & singers gather onstage to new find ways to explore harmony and (musically) discuss (chord) progressions, expansion and interpret rhythm & melody. So we wanted to create an atmosphere where interaction between the artists & the audience - and the audience among themselves is optimal. Feel Free to bring your Lawn Chairs, Your Blankets, Your Beach Umbrellas (to shield the sun) and be prepared to pick out your own spot on the lawn to get comfortable.

We also personally invite you to bring your Entire Family. Bring The Children. Bring The Grandparents! Let the Youth experience the truth of trained musicians playing their instruments and the variety of colors that jazz brings to the musical palette. There's going to be music for those from 8 to 89 and it will be an experience the family should appreciate together.

For that reason, we have been intentional about making the Harrison Common an Alcohol Free Zone. For those who wish to indulge, you may do so across the street at The MVR Restaurant, but you will not be permitted to bring your alcoholic purchases on The Commons. The MVR Management has been kind enough to make special provisions on their property where you will still be able to enjoy the music while enjoying your beverage.


Food will also be available for purchase at The MVR. Their delicious variety of sandwiches and entrees will be just what you need to chow down as the grooves fill the night.  

Finally, Jazz is also about Friendship! Rest assured that you are in a Safe, Clean, Well Maintained Space to Meet New Friends and deepen seasoned relationships. It's going to be the Greatest Jazz Fest in Our City's history, because            You've chosen to Participate!

Thank You!