Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of Jacksonville's premiere annual celebrations, held each Memorial Day weekend since 1980, when it was begun as the Mayport and All That Jazz Festival. Today, it has become one of the largest free jazz festivals in the United States, drawing international superstars such as Dizzy Gillespie, Harry Connick, Jr., Miles Davis, and Mavis Staples. Performances are offered throughout the weekend at the Jacksonville Landing, Hemming Plaza, the Florida Theatre, and the festival's main stage, which is constructed along Monroe Street. Events include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, which awards cash prizes to five finalists and a chance to perform a headlining concert at the event. Artisan vendors line the event's main thoroughfares, with artists selling goods in mediums such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, and woodworking.
117 W Duval St, Ste 280, Jacksonville, Florida, Phone: 904-630-3690
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