Jazz Fest finalizes lineup and date

Main Street Murfreesboro’s JazzFest is scheduled for May 5-6 on the Square in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

“Main Street JazzFest is 21 years in the making, and the 2017 event will feature high-energy artists from both coasts, all in the beautiful, historic setting of Downtown Murfreesboro,” Main Street Murfreesboro Executive Director Kathleen Herzog said.

This year’s lineup features Valerie Gillespie, Lao Tizer, First Fruit Jazz Project, 129th Army Band and local talent that is comprised of MTSU Jazz Facutly, MTSU Jazz Ensemble I and Ethos Jazz Band.

Gillespie is a saxophonist who shares a dedication to preserving live jazz music and performs several styles that range from instrumental to vocal jazz. She has shared the stage with a myriad of talent that includes Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Rosemary Clooney, George Burns, Ben Vereen, Natalie Cole, Joan Rivers, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, John Faddis, Steve Allen, Anthony Newly, Dionne Warwick, Michael Feinstein, and many more.

Keyboardist Lao Tizer is a Boulder, CO native, and his style is influenced by a mix of jazz, rock, classical along with Afro Cuban and world rhythm.

In addition, there will be performances from area high school and middle school bands over the course of the weekend. Other activities include the kid’s alley which will feature inflatables and other children’s activities along with numerous food vendors. “We will have free parking, kids activities and the best of jazz music today with delicious food. JazzFest is great fun for the entire family,” Herzog added.

JazzFest has consistently been named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. For more information, visit mainstreetjazzfest.net.

2017 Bob Scales Main Stage Schedule
Saturday, May 6
Noon Seymour High School Jazz Band
12:45 p.m. Ethos Jazz Band
2:00 p.m. MTSU Jazz Ensemble #1
3:15 p.m. 129 th Army Band
4:30 p.m. MTSU Jazz Faculty
5:45 p.m. First Fruit Jazz Project
7:00 p.m. Lao Tizer
8:30 p.m. Valerie Gillespie