The 18th annual Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, held on August 17, 2024, at Salem Willows, once again proved why it’s a cornerstone of the North Shore’s cultural calendar. This free, day-long celebration of music brought together an eclectic mix of local talent and nationally recognized artists, all against the picturesque backdrop of Salem Harbor.
From the opening notes of the Salem High School Jazz Band to the soulful finale by Sonya Rae Taylor, the festival offered a rich tapestry of sounds. Highlights included the high-energy performance by Barrence Whitfield and Four Piece Suit, the New Orleans-inspired rhythms of The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra, and the genre-blending set from Yahuba Garcia’s Boogaloo Collective.
Beyond the music, the festival showcased its commitment to education with interactive workshops and demonstrations, inspiring the next generation of musicians. The event’s vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by local food vendors and a beer garden featuring Back Beat Brewing.
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival continues to be a testament to the power of music in bringing communities together, honoring Salem’s rich jazz heritage while creating new traditions for future generations.
[Photo credits: Creative Collective]
Sonya Rae Taylor at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Peabody Essex Museum at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
BackBeat Brewing at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Volunteers at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Bethany and Petra at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Salem Jazz and SOl Festival 2024
Barrence Whitfield at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Radio Scotvoid at Salem jazz and Soul Festival. Photo by Creative Collective
Salem Jazz & Soul Festival
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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 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
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