'Party Train,' 'Early in the Morning': Charlie Wilson headlines Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Charlie Wilson was a big star long before he released his first album, “You Turn My Life Around,” in 1992, having been the lead singer for the Gap Band for its hit-laden run (“You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Early in the Morning,” “Oops Upside Your Head”). He’s done all right for himself as a solo artist, with at least a dozen of his songs topping the Urban Adult Contemporary charts.

What time does Charlie Wilson play at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Charlie Wilson is scheduled to be the final performer at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, taking the Swingin’ Stage at Riverfront Plaza at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 28.

Who is Charlie Wilson?

Uncle Charlie (a nickname bestowed by Snoop Dogg) has hit the highest levels of success in music, and also hit some of the lowest. He’s received a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Icon Award, a Soul Train Certified Soul Award, and a NAACP Music Makes a Difference Award, but was also homeless for a few years in the ‘90s, suffered drug and alcohol addiction and was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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What songs am I likely to know from Charlie Wilson?

He often plays Gap Band hits such as “Party Train,” “Early in the Morning,” “Yearning for Your Love” and “Outstanding,” along with solo hits such as “Blessed,” “You Are” and “Outstanding.”

Has Charlie Wilson ever played in Jacksonville?

Wilson was at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in 2022, opening for New Edition. He also played with the Gap Band at a 1975 show at the old Gator Bowl Stadium, sharing a bill with the Rolling Stones and fellow Jazz Fest performer Chaka Khan.

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.

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.  

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2023 lineup: Charlie Wilson