Pensacola's free JazzFest is 40! Celebrate with music, food and all that jazz.

Jazz is a language that is understood by everyone and that infuses all music genres.

Perhaps that's why Pensacola's annual JazzFest is so enduring.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Jazz Pensacola's JazzFest, one of the largest free events of its kind on the Gulf Coast. This year's event April 1 and 2 at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola will feature almost two dozen local and national jazz bands.

“That's the one thing I've endeavored to do as president is to sustain that openness to the community, but also try to deliver to the community unique sounds that they haven't heard before,” Derrick Fishback, president of Jazz Pensacola said. “That's what this festival is really about. It's covering how we take 40 years of legacy and deliver 40 years of jazz music in a variety of ways.”

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JazzFest averages about 20,000 people who come through to experience the festival every year.

Jazz Pensacola works to invite various bands and performers with unique styles that create a “diversity of sound” that appeals to all age groups and fans of all genres.

For instance, 4 Korners, an Atlanta based band that last visited in 2021, features high energy performers who play jazz fusion.

AC3, a Pensacola based group, offers an eclectic fusion sound and consists of brothers Aundre Connor, Andrew Connor and Austin Paul Jr., who last year landed on Alicia Keys' self titled album, “Keys,” with the song "Skydive (Unlocked).”

Pat Casey and the New Sound hail from New Orleans and mix classic and modern jazz and elements from Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and funk music.

The festival begins each day with young talent from local schools and colleges. Local and regional jazz tkae the stage in the afternoon with special featured bands capping the show in the early evening.

There will be food trucks and vendors, beer and wine, and merchandise available to buy.

A Kiddie Jam for young children is available at 1 p.m.

Fishback said he hopes more people will come to the event this year and in future years, and that he wants the entire community to help get more children and young people involved in music.

Through all the places Fishback has traveled, whether it be Prague, the Czech Republic or Estonia, a jazz community has existed and transcended every language barrier. And while Jazz Fest remains one of the most frequented events hosted by Jazz Pensacola, they are busy year round providing opportunities for local musicians and the community to soak up some of the best jazz in the Panhandle.

Jazz Pensacola hosts a monthly Jazz Jam where musicians can play for fun, and enthusiasts can come and enjoy the music.

Fishback said by providing exposure to Pensacola's budding jazz scene in daily life apart from the momentum of the festival, such as having musicians play on the streets at Gallery Night or provide free workshops for the youth in the area, the community can continue to grow and thrive.

“We want to offer them something different because Jazz Pensacola is here to stay after 40 years we're looking for another 40 years,” Fishback said. “In order to do that we have to provide to our audience, but also assist in Pensacola a sense of both the education about what jazz is, and the expansion of how to apply it, and how it's applied in music over time.”

Want to go?

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2

Where: Historic Seville Square, 311 E Government St.

The event is free. Guests should bring their own bring a blanket or chairs. There will be no pets, coolers or smoking allowed. For more information on the festival, as well as the organization's other events, visit www.pensacolajazzfest.com.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola JazzFest at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola in April