Hilton Head Island Jazz Festival Hits a Milestone
In the beautiful setting of Hilton Head Island, a celebration of music is set to take place that you won’t want to miss! This October, the much-loved Jazz for All Ages Music Festival is coming back to town for its tenth year. Get ready to enjoy a weekend filled with incredible performances, delicious food, and a great community spirit.
When and Where
Mark your calendars! The festival is scheduled for October 13 and 14 at the Sonesta Beachfront Resort. Each day kicks off with a delightful Swinging Jazz Brunch, where you can enjoy a scrumptious meal while soaking in the vibrant sounds of live music. After brunch, get ready for a lineup of performances that will leave you tapping your feet and swaying along. Artists such as John Pizzarelli, Catherine Russell, April Varner, Mark Rapp, Emmet Cohen, Kurt Elling, and Sean Jones will grace the stage, showcasing their musical talents throughout the weekend.
A Local Treasure
According to David Mastellar, the festival’s director, this is a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience top-tier musicianship right in their own backyard. “This is the kind of caliber of musicians that you have to go to the cities to see,” he explains, emphasizing how special it is to have such talent come to Hilton Head Island. For many, attending this festival means not having to travel far to enjoy world-class music.
Giving Back to the Community
But the Jazz Festival is more than just a fun weekend of music. It also plays a vital role in supporting the Junior Jazz Foundation. The proceeds from the festival directly benefit music initiatives for youth in the community. Mastellar highlights, “It helps bring money back into the community and goes straight back to our youth… which we think is important.”
The Junior Jazz Foundation is dedicated to encouraging young musicians through various programs such as instrument donations, school grants, and college scholarships. James Berry, a board member of the foundation, shared that these efforts help students with financial needs attend music camp, allowing them to pursue their passion for music.
Inspiring Future Musicians
Berry, who founded the Hilton Head Jazz Camp back in 2011, has witnessed firsthand the transformative effect of music education. “We have about 15 alumni that are currently full-time musicians, so it’s really awesome to see the impact that the camp has had over the years,” he says proudly.
The combination of the Jazz Festival and the Junior Jazz Foundation creates a wonderful opportunity not just for entertainment but for fostering the love of music in young people. By attending the festival, you are not only enjoying fantastic performances but also helping to cultivate the next generation of musicians.
Get Your Tickets!
If this sounds like the perfect weekend for you, be sure to grab your tickets early! For more information and to purchase tickets, head over to their website. Celebrate the joy of jazz and the community spirit this October on Hilton Head Island—where music truly is for all ages.
