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Jazz Festivals in Central Pennsylvania

Jazz is an American music genre originating in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the turn of the 20th century. Jazz has evolved to include more than two dozen styles, including ragtime, New Orleans style, swing and bebop. Jazz has become popular throughout the United States as well as other parts of the world. Annual jazz festivals are organized in and near central Pennsylvania to promote the genre and to showcase local and international jazz artists and bands.

  1. History of Jazz in Pennsylvania

    • Jazz Festivals originated in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. On Feb. 23, 1951 the small town hosted eight jazz bands for the Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz. In 1994 the city formally acknowledged the event as the first jazz festival with a plaque and ceremony. Jazz festivals in Pennsylvania and throughout the world follow the traditions started in the early days. Promoters, musicians and communities work together to produce multiday festivals to promote and showcase the art of jazz.

    Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival

    • The Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival started in 1981 and is held annually. The music fest takes place in downtown Harrisburg each June. The Hilton hotel and neighboring venues host the concerts. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy three days of a variety of jazz styles performed by more than 20 bands and individual vocalists and solo jazz musicians. In addition to the jazz concerts, the Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival hosts youth concerts, instrument clinics, a Sunday brunch and other events to complement the festival. The festival is organized and run by the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz Inc., an organization formed to preserve and promote live jazz in central Pennsylvania.

      Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz

      5721 Jonestown Road

      Harrisburg, PA 17112

      717-540-1010

      pajazz.org

    Berks Jazz Festival

    • The Berks Jazz Festival is a live jazz music event held annually in Reading. The event is organized and presented by the Berks Arts Council. The organization puts on the event to foster and promote the arts and enrichment of the community through music and education. The jazz fest stretches over 10 days, with the major concerts taking place over two weekends, and features live bands, solo jazz musicians, community events, educational activities and an array of other family-friendly festivities. Members of the Berks Arts Council receive special discounts for attending the jazz festival. The festival draws more than 40,000 people each year.

      Berks Arts Council

      201 Washington St., Suite 523

      Reading, PA 19603

      610-898-1930

      berksarts.org

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