Essentials: Fall Jazz Festivals

Jazz festivals abound in Texas this fall. Tune in, and turn on.

On September 20-21, thousands of jazz fans convene at downtown San Antonio’s Travis Park to enjoy the 25th anniversary of the popular (and free) Jazz’SAlive festival. Six national acts play two stages on Saturday and Sunday nights, while local acts fill slots during the day. Bring a picnic blanket or a lawn chair, and settle in for showtime. Call 210/212-8423; www.jazzsa.org.

From September 26-28, the 11th Annual Jazz Festival in Kemah brings in dozens of national and local acts to play outdoor sets on the festive Kemah Boardwalk. Shop, eat, listen to music, and repeat. Admission is free. Call 877/ATKEMAH; www.kemahboardwalk.com.

From October 9-12, the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts hosts the annual Latin Jazz Festival, a four-day event that includes free performances by local acts on Thursday, national performers playing paid shows on Friday and Saturday, and an all-day street festival in the downtown historic district on Sunday. Call 956/831-7818; www.brosociety.org.

From October 17-19, the Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi attracts 50,000 jazz fans to Heritage Park and the downtown and water-front areas. More than 50 local, national, and international acts showcase jazz styles from all over the world. Admission is free. Call 361/883-4500; www.texasjazz-fest.org.

Looking ahead: Mark your 2009 calendar for the annual Jazz Festival in Addison (April 16-18, 2009) and the annual Houston International Jazz Festival (July 29-August 2, 2009) in Houston.

See the full article in the September 2008 issue.

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