Each year Atlanta throws a month-long party in honor of America’s original art form, culminating in a FREE 3-day celebration of live jazz in Piedmont Park. For the full line-up, you can visit their website:

http://atlantafestivals.com/festival/

Memorial Day weekend is always filled with images, comments, reactions, memories and expectations as the shared experience of the Atlanta Jazz Festival fills my collective social media feeds. Many of my friends and contacts are part of the art, theatre, music and jazz scene in Atlanta – so, this is one of the biggest events of the year for us. However, I realize that some may be unaware of this momentous event that takes place over Memorial Day Weekend each year, and has been a signature event for the city of Atlanta for the past 38 years. There are several reasons why I think the Atlanta Jazz Festival is the most important event in the city of Atlanta . . .

1) Jazz represents who and what we are . . .

Jazz is a great unifier – it grew out of the great multi-cultural melting pot of America, and currently serves as a bridge to every culture on the planet. It is one of the only aspects of American culture that truly represents each and every individual in some way . . . borrowing & sharing melodies & rhythms from every culture around the world, serving as the foundation for every popular style of music and taste since the onset of the 20th century, and currently building on and growing out of the various genres it created. The Atlanta Jazz Festival typically represents various styles of jazz, something for all ages & taste, and reveals that “jazz” is not just a singular style with echoes of the past – but a constantly evolving process of cultural expression and celebration that represents the city and the nation. It is the sound of freedom, unity, cooperation, and celebration. In this time of cultural division in the US, jazz provides a rare opportunity for shared experience and communication that rises above all our political & socio-economic differences . . . if even for a moment.

2. The Atlanta Jazz Festival represents the heartbeat and soul of Atlanta . . .

There are a lot of activities & events happening at all times in Atlanta. From sports to social clubs to business activities to arts, music, theatre and a wide range of options for outings of all sorts. It can be overwhelming at times, seeing all the places and things this city has to offer – and many opt to simply stay in their homes to avoid crowds, parking, or the possibility of discomfort. I fully understand opting to stay in and do nothing at all, but I have also ventured out from time to time for the various taste of all that Atlanta has available over the past 35 years or so. Thus, I have considered all the options, and come to the conclusion that the Atlanta Jazz Festival is the one event that really captures it all in one weekend. Every shape, stripe, and style of individual can be found from young to old in Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend. Some are there to stroll around, others are there to watch people, some to see who they can meet or grab a bite to eat, many are there to socialize with friends and family – blissfully unaware that there is live music happening on three unique stages – and then there are those that look forward to the live, free music that is provided. You are able to sit directly in front of the stages and freely experience some of the best musical artists in the world. If you haven’t been to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, I don’t think you can really know and feel what Atlanta is all about. All other events and activities cater to interest groups – but this is one event that really seems to be open to all, regardless of age, race, creed, culture, community, taste, etc.

3. The Atlanta Jazz Fest is about family . . .

One feeling you’ll get as you walk through the Atlanta Jazz Festival is that of a family reunion. There are some large extended families that set up tables, food, tents, play games, or just spread out on blankets in front of the stage. There are small families of single parents and a child or nuclear families with several children of various ages. There is also the feeling that the entire crowd is one large family – all gathered together to celebrate as we are serenaded by some of the best music in the world. If you happen to be one of those people that stay away because “it isn’t safe in Piedmont Park”, you obviously have not been there during the Jazz Fest!

4. The Atlanta Jazz Festival provides rare opportunities for children and youth . . .

You rarely find kids that are “into jazz”. Why? Because there are few opportunities for exposure. They are bombarded 24/7 with the sounds and images deemed relevant by those that control the popular buzz – and the music they are interested in is often that which has been piped into their neural network via a combination of media manipulation and peer pressure. If the artists don’t have a “look” that can be sold, or a gimmick that can be hyped, a lyric that can be easily sung or an accessible beat – they probably won’t get much exposure. Jazz is not played on commercial radio anymore, and is best when experienced live – so where do young people under 21 get the opportunity to hear live jazz? Most jazz is heard in establishments where children are not allowed, and public jazz concerts tend to be expensive, and do not usually see large crowds of screaming kids or overly enthusiastic youth. So, the fact that the AJF is free and open to the public allows parents to bring their kids – no matter what age – and also allows for youth to gather and attend in a safe environment . . . it makes for a perfect entry way into America’s original art form. Every year I’ve seen young people gain exposure to music they would never have heard elsewhere. I have talked to them, and have seen firsthand how this music can serve as a wake-up call beyond pop culture. Many young people that come to the jazz fest – including myself when I was young – walk away different, with a much more open and musically curious mind.

5. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is fun . . .

I’ve talked to people each year that are just not that into the music that is being played – but they are having a great time! The vibe, the weather, the experience, the feeling, the family, and the collective celebration is beyond anything else you’ll find in Atlanta – or anywhere else.

Click here to watch the video I made of the 2012 Atlanta Jazz Festival to catch the full vibe.

So – why are you sitting here reading this? Get out and listen to some live jazz! It happens pretty much every day in Atlanta – this is just our city-wide party . . . and you’re always invited!

Agape y’all,

J. Scott Fugate, “The Jazz Evangelist”