SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2019 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival features an extraordinary roster of twenty-two musical groups, highlighted by Norah Jones’ debt at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
This year’s jazz festival also marks the return of both jazz legend George Benson and festival favorite Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Back by popular demand is Los Van Van 50th Anniversary, Django Festival All-Stars with Edmar Castañeda and Grace Kelly, Joshua Redman Quartet, and James Carter Organ Trio. Fifteen emerging artists making their Saratoga debuts include Kandace Springs, Donna Grantis, Joey DeFrancesco Trio, Mercy Project which features Jon Cowherd, Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Steve Cardenas, Antonio Sanchez & Migration, and Cha Wa. The festival will also feature a record number of groups led by women artists, highlighted by Allison Miller, Veronica Swift, Ruthie Foster and Youn Sun Nah.
Slated for Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, performances will begin on the Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage at noon and 11 a.m. respectively. Performances on SPAC’s Amphitheater Stage will begin at 2 and 1 p.m. respectively.
“This year’s festival will excite long-time jazz lovers, while also continuing SPAC’s expanded vision to bring innovative artists and legends that have never before graced our stage, including a record number of female-led groups,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Devoted jazz festival fans and lovers of great music are in for a completely unique experience this summer, enhanced by the incredible atmosphere and unmatched beauty of our natural park setting.”
SPAC also announced that Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Friday, presented by Times Union, an annual collaboration with the city of Saratoga Springs to celebrate the rich history of jazz in the region, will return on Friday, June 28. Once again the event will feature Chamber businesses welcoming locals and visitors with scores of live jazz events, themed dining, and social dance options that will serve as the kick-off to the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs.
For more information, visit www.spac.org.
Tickets for the festival will be available online at www.spac.org beginning Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m.
