Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2024: Free Music, Local Talent, and Community Spirit

Get ready to groove, Salem! The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is back for its 18th season, bringing the heat to Salem Willows on August 17, 2024. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., this free festival will transform the historic park into a vibrant celebration of jazz, soul, and community spirit.

Picture this: a beautiful summer day by the ocean, fantastic bands filling the air with soulful melodies and jazzy rhythms, music education clinics for aspiring musicians, local artisans showcasing their crafts, and a refreshing beer garden to keep you cool. It’s not just a music festival; it’s a full sensory experience that honors Salem’s rich musical heritage while supporting the future of music education on the North Shore.

The Power of Free Community Festivals

Events like the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival play a crucial role in our community. They break down barriers, making art and culture accessible to everyone, regardless of economic background. These festivals create spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience that strengthens the fabric of our community.

Free festivals offer a unique opportunity to discover new music, support local artists, and create lasting memories with friends and family – all without the burden of ticket prices. They provide a platform for live performances that can inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers alike.

Moreover, these events drive tourism, support local businesses, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy that makes Salem a desirable place to live and visit. They showcase the best of our community, enhancing its appeal and vitality.

Supporting the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival means investing in community building, arts education, and local economic development. It’s a chance to be part of a beloved community event that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives through the power of music.

A Lineup That’ll Make You Move

This year’s festival features an eclectic mix of talent that’s sure to get your feet tapping:

11 a.m. – Noon: Salem High School Jazz Band – These young virtuosos kick off the day with their award-winning sound. Led by the accomplished Cyndi Napierkowski, this ensemble has earned outstanding ratings at national festivals and even performed at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans. They represent 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 fusion of soul-screaming vocals and eclectic instrumentals. Whitfield, known for his incredible vocals and boundless energy, brings the spirit of classic soul screamers to the stage. Four Piece Suit, perhaps best known for scoring HBO’s Sex and the City, provides the perfect backdrop with their unique blend of jazz and rock.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra – A 14-piece ensemble bringing the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to Salem. This powerhouse, led by Carlos Menezes Jr., delivers a spicy mix of funk, soul, and brassy second-line rhythms. With a rotating cast of the North Shore’s top horn players, they’ll transport you straight to the French Quarter.
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Yahuba Garcia’s Boogaloo Collective – Celebrate the merger of Salsa and R&B with this all-star lineup of New England musicians. Led by Yahuba Garcia-Torres (fresh off tour with Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew), this project pays homage to the vibrant music scene of 1960s-70s New York City. Featuring special guests like Eguie Castrillo, Jen Kearney, and Sonya Rae Taylor, prepare for a journey through a pivotal era of music history.
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Sonya Rae Taylor – Close out the night with Taylor’s unique blend of blues, jazz, funk, and soul. 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 tradition yet uniquely modern. With catchy hooks and deep songcraft, it’s the perfect finale to an incredible day of music.

And between sets, DJ Skot Void will keep the party going with his northern soul collection, rare funk, and deep disco vinyl.

More Than Just Music

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival isn’t just about fantastic tunes – it’s about community, education, and preserving a rich musical legacy. Did you know that Salem Willows was once home to the Charleshurst Ballroom, where jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller performed? We’re keeping that spirit alive and adding our own modern twist.

Since its inception, the festival has:

Hosted over 100 free concerts
Raised more than $70,000 for music education
Supported local after-school programs and group homes
Donated equipment to high school jazz bands
Created workshops for neurodivergent children
And so much more!

Join the Groove

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a soul music lover, or just looking for a fun day out, the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has something for everyone. Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Remember, admission is FREE! It’s our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that great music is accessible to all. By attending, you’re not just enjoying a day of fantastic music – you’re supporting arts education, local talent, and the cultural vibrancy of our community.

So mark your calendars for August 17, 2024, and join us at Salem Willows (165 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA) for a day of 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!

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The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces free concerts and supports music education on Massachusetts’ North Shore. We’re grateful to our sponsors and the community for making this event possible year after year. Your support, whether through attendance, volunteering, or sponsorship, helps us continue to bring music to our community and invest in the next generation of artists.

Special thanks to all of this year’s sponsors; providing these free community festivals without them is impossible! Please shop, engage, and support them when you can.