June 17-20!
“Elkhart’s 33rd Jazz Festival is back summer 2021.”
Whether you’ve been to all 32 Elkhart Jazz Festivals, or if this summer will mark your first, we promise to deliver only one thing: A memorable weekend at a great price.
2021 Jazz Fest
Thursday 6/17
Kicking off Thursday, June 17th there will be a few options to start tapping your toes. The Lerner Theatre will host a free concert with performance by Truth in Jazz Big Band from 7:00PM – 8:00PM. At the Wellfield Botanic Garden, David Hilliker Trio will start at 7:00PM followed by the Dave Bennett Quartet Groovin’ in the Garden until 10:00PM. You can buy entry through the Wellfield in advance, at the gate, or admission is included with proof of purchase of Elkhart Jazz Festival (just show your ticket, day pass, or receipt).
Friday 6/18
On Friday, June 18th we will feature Monty Alexander in the Lerner Theatre at 8:30PM. This will not be his first time in Elkhart, although it has been 25 years since he last presented one of his powerhouse trios. Nearly sixty years after moving to the United States, from his hometown Kingston, Jamaica, the Grammy nominated pianist is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. Alexander’s repertoire spans a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Documented on more than 75 recordings and cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever, he has shared the stage with countless musical greats. And if that’s not enough to lock in your attendance Friday, you will also have the opportunity to see festival favorite Dave Bennett. The Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theatre will show off a few new faces (and sounds) from DownBeat Award-winning powerhouse jazz fusion trio Teen Town led by 16-year-old bassist Gabriel Severn and the progressive jazz-rock of Chicago based Marbin. Just a small-town city block away, you can catch Emmy nominated Carol Albert playing her Billboard charted smooth jazz grooves bringing global rhythms.
Saturday 6/19
Saturday, June 19th offers a full day with 20 plus acts, a mix of returning artists and debut performances.
The history will run deep with The Assunto Dukes, a Dixieland tribute, to Martin Pizzarelli’s trio playing tunes acknowledging his late father Bucky Pizzarelli (1926-2020). Guests will also enjoy, Rossano Sportiello Trio with Paul Keller and Eddie Metz, the Sofia Goodman Group, and The Soul-Trumpeter Lin Rountree showing off his multiple charted Billboard #1 Hits. The evening sets on the Lerner stage will showcase Kris Brownlee’s smooth jazz and wrap up with a must-see performance by Joan Collaso and the Larry Hanks Trio blending the textures of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel in a way that gives her a distinct sound.
Sunday 6/20
The festival will continue on Sunday, June 20th with many of Elkhart’s own musical pros. For just $10 you get a great sampling of top-notch talent and experience the festival vibe at the Lerner Theatre and Crystal Ballroom. Check out Jazz Assemblage Big Band, The Dean’s List, Generations Jazz Trio, and the Notre Dame Faculty Jazz Trio.