'Chicago Song,' 'Run for Cover': David Sanborn returns to Jacksonville Jazz Fest

Tom Szaroleta, Florida Times-Union
Updated ·4 min read
David Sanborn last played at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in 2011.
David Sanborn last played at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in 2011.
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You might remember saxman David Sanborn from “Night Music,” the late-’80s TV show that featured jam sessions with jazz giants such as Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis. Possibly from all the times he sat in with Paul Shaffer’s band on David Letterman’s show. Or maybe you recognize his tone from his days as a sideman on songs by James Brown, Eric Clapton, the Eagles or Linda Ronstadt (that’s his sax on David Bowie’s “Young Americans”).

What time does David Sanborn play at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Sanborn is scheduled to play at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival's Groovin’ Stage at Ford on Bay starting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28.

Who is David Sanborn?

Sanborn, a Tampa native, is one of the most commercially successful jazz performers of the last century, releasing 24 albums (eight went gold, one went platinum) and winning six Grammy awards. He is also the host of the Sanborn Sessions, where he invites musicians such as Michael McDonald, Bob James and Cyrille Aimée into his New York studio for jam sessions that are shared online.

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What songs am I likely to know from David Sanborn?

“Camel Island” and “Chicago Song” are the tunes he plays most frequently, but Sanborn has appeared on so many big songs for other artists that he’s likely to play just about anything.

Has David Sanborn ever played at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Sanborn appeared with George Duke and Marcus Miller in a band called DMS at the 2011 festival. He also played at the festival in 2005 and at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival in 2009.

Where is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be on two stages, just a few blocks apart along the banks of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.

The Swingin’ Stage will be at Riverfront Plaza, where the Jacksonville Landing used to stand. The Groovin’ Stage will be at Ford on Bay, a vacant space on Bay Street where the old Duval County Courthouse used to stand.

When is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

4-11 p.m. Friday, May 26; 4-11 p.m. Saturday, May 27; 4-10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28

How much are tickets to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

All shows at the festival are free. VIP packages with reserved seating are sold out for every festival day except Friday. They’re priced at $199.

What should I bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

  • A credit or debit card: The festival is “cashless.”

  • A chair or blanket: The festival does not provide seating, other than in VIP sections.

  • A raincoat or umbrella: The festival is a rain-or-shine event.

  • A bit of patience: Security will briefly check your bags as you enter the festival grounds, possibly causing delays.

  • A comfortable pair of shoes: You can expect to do a good bit of walking and standing at the shows.

What can I not bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Large coolers, tents, beach umbrellas, pets, grills, alcohol, professional recording equipment, knives, guns, skateboards, golf carts, Frisbees, drones and laser pointers.

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What events are associated with the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

  • The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, which pits five rising pianists against one another on the Florida Theatre stage, is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25.

  • A pair of jazz clinics will be held at the Moran Theater on Saturday, May 27. The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will lead a clinic at 10 a.m. that day and jazz bassist Reuben Rogers will lead another at 1 p.m.

  • An improvisational Jazz Jam will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 27, at One Enterprise, 225 Water St.  

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2023 lineup: Saxophonist David Sanborn