Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is a premier jazz festival held annually in Cleveland, Ohio, featuring a diverse range of jazz musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, and Wynton Marsalis. The festival is presented by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and has become a staple of the city's cultural scene, attracting visitors from across the United States, including New York City, Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. With its rich history and impressive lineup of performers, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland has established itself as one of the top jazz festivals in the country, alongside New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Montreal International Jazz Festival.

● History

The history of Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland dates back to 1980, when it was first founded by Cuyahoga Community College as a way to promote jazz music and provide educational opportunities for students. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, featuring performances by legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Billie Holiday. The festival has also hosted notable events, including a tribute to Duke Ellington and a celebration of the Blue Note Records legacy, which has included performances by Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker. In recent years, the festival has expanded to include a range of jazz subgenres, from swing music to Latin jazz, with performances by artists such as Tito Puente, Chick Corea, and Paquito D'Rivera.

● Performers

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland has featured a diverse range of performers over the years, including jazz legends such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. The festival has also showcased the talents of contemporary jazz musicians, such as Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, and Cécile McLorin Salvant, who have performed alongside jazz ensembles like the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Other notable performers have included Al Jarreau, George Benson, and Pat Metheny, who have all been recognized for their contributions to jazz music with awards such as the Grammy Award and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters award. The festival has also featured performances by jazz vocalists such as Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, and Tierney Sutton, who have been influenced by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Sarah Vaughan.

● Venues

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is held at various venues across Cleveland, Ohio, including the Playhouse Square, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Tri-C Metropolitan Campus. The festival has also partnered with other local organizations, such as the Cleveland Orchestra and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to host events and performances. In addition, the festival has utilized outdoor venues, such as Wade Oval and Public Square (Cleveland), to host free concerts and community events, which have featured performances by jazz bands like the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The festival's use of multiple venues has allowed it to reach a wider audience and provide a unique experience for attendees, who can also visit nearby attractions like the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art and the West Side Market.

● Organization

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is organized by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), in partnership with other local organizations, such as the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation. The festival is led by a team of experienced professionals, including Terri Pontremoli, who has been recognized for her contributions to the arts with awards such as the National Medal of Arts. The festival also relies on the support of volunteers and sponsors, including KeyBank and Medical Mutual of Ohio, to help bring the event to life. With its strong organizational structure and commitment to promoting jazz music, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland has become a beloved institution in Cleveland, Ohio, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world, including Canada, Europe, and Asia. The festival has also been recognized for its contributions to the arts with awards such as the National Endowment for the Arts grant and the Ohio Arts Council award. Category:Jazz festivals in the United States