Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E. and George Benson will headline the 40th anniversary Jacksonville Jazz Festival Downtown this fall, the city announced July 29.
The event, sponsored by the city Division of Sports and Entertainment, is Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.
Osborne will headline the festival Oct. 1 with additional performances by Theo Croker ‘BLK2LIFE’; Let’s Ride Brass Band; and Marcus Click, according to a city news release and the festival website.
Sheila E. will perform Oct. 2. The day also will feature Pancho Sanchez; Tia Fuller: “Diamond Cut”; Cécile McLorin Salvant; Emmaline; Kandace Springs; Elisha “Atlas” Parris; and Party in a Box featuring Allana.
Benson will headline Oct. 3 with shows by Super Blue: Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter; Melissa Case; and Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science.
The “Swingin’ Stage” will be at Riverfront Plaza, the former Jacksonville Landing, is sponsored by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
The “Groovin’ Stage” will be at The Ford on Bay, the former site of the former City Hall Annex and Duval County Courthouse buildings.
The “Swingin’ Stage” will honor women in music Oct. 2 with a lineup featuring female acts.
The Jazz Festival begins Sept. 29 at the Florida Theatre with the Jacksonville Piano Competition sponsored by Keyboard Connection — The Piano Place and will feature a performance by emcee Noel Freidline.
Five piano finalists, accompanied by Dennis Marks and Clyde Connor, will compete for cash prizes and to perform at the festival Oct. 1, the release said.
The festival is free but upgraded premium experiences, including a VIP full festival experience package, VIP single-day packages and preferred seating is for sale at jacksonvillejazzfest.com.
In April, the city announced it would move the annual event to the fall after canceling the event in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.