Sanborn, Dirty Dozen, more to play free Jacksonville Jazz Festival shows

Who's ready for some free jazz in downtown Jacksonville? The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which will be held over Memorial Day weekend, announced its first round of performers and the lineup is sure to please jazz fans, with big names such as Wynton Marsalis, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Shemekia Copeland, Larry Carlton and Pieces of a Dream set to play. Saxman David Sanborn was added to the lineup this week.

The festival will kick off May 26 with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition at the Florida Theatre, then move to outdoor stages on the downtown streets for the next three days.  All of the outdoor shows are free, but VIP tickets are available.

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When is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition opens the festival May 26 at the Florida Theatre. Outdoor shows are planned for May 26-28.

What time is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The festival will be open from 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 26-27, and 4-10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28.

Who is playing at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The initial announcement has the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, bassist Ron Carter's Foursight Quartet, pianist Eddie Palmieri, vocalist Carmen Lundy, R&B singer Eric Roberson and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band performing on Friday, May 26. On Saturday, May 27, the lineup includes guitarist Larry Carlton, bass player Marcus Miller, contemporary jazz band Pieces of a Dream, Jacksonville drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and his band, Generation Y, the U.S. Army Ambassadors Jazztet and Florida singer CeCe Teneal. The final day of the festival, Sunday, May 28, has performances scheduled by Grammy-winning singer Samara Joy, blues singer Shemekia Copeland, saxophone player David Sanborn and the winner of the Jazz Piano Competition. More acts are expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Where will the stages be for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The festival will utilize two stages this year. The Groovin' Stage will be at Ford on Bay, on the banks of the St. Johns River near the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The Swingin' Stage will be at Riverfront Plaza, where the Jacksonville Landing used to stand.

How much are tickets to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

All concerts, including the Jazz Piano Competition, are free. Preferred seating packages are available for $89 per day. VIP packages, which include parking, up-front seats, a lounge and "climate-controlled restrooms," are available for $199-$499. The packages are non-refundable.

What if it rains during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

All shows are rain-or-shine, so unless the weather is so bad that officials have to evacuate the festival, the performances will go on.

How do I get to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Most people are going to drive downtown and, since it's a holiday weekend, the parking garages and surface lots should have plenty of space for fans. The St. Johns River Taxi and the JTA Skyway have extended their hours to accommodate festival-goers in the past.

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

A chair is always going to be useful, and you never know when you're going to need an umbrella or raincoat. Last year's festival was cashless, so it's probably a good idea to bring a credit card.

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

Coolers, tents, grills, alcohol, outside food and drink, knives, guns or other weapons, skates, skateboards, illegal drugs, bicycles, scooters, balls, Frisbees, signs or flags larger than two-by-three feet, drones or any other items deemed unacceptable by the city of Jacksonville were all banned at last year's festival. All guests are subject to search upon entering the venues.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Fest lineup 2023: Wynton Marsalis, David Sandborn