Jazz + Blues Music Festivals in Massachusetts Through October 2017

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) has compiled its 2017 schedule of jazz + blues music festivals taking place throughout the Commonwealth this summer and fall.

See the entire MassJazz Festival season here.  In addition to jazz and blues, the festival schedule also includes related musical genres such as American roots, Brass Bands and Latino.

MassJazz.com was created with MOTT in 2009 as a way of highlighting the robust live jazz and blues scene in Massachusetts.  You can find details on jazz clubs, radio stations, college courses, concert venues and events-by-month at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

2017 Betances Festival Celebrates Boston's Latino Music, Dance, Cuisine and Culture

Festival Betances is one of New England's most popular Latino festivals, offering musical and dance performances, cuisine, heritage and culture for families.  Named for Ramon Emeterio Betances, a 19th century Purto Rican who founded a hospital and advocated for his fellow citizens, the festival represents the diversity of Latino culture.

This year's musical line-up features top salsa stars such as Vinny Rivera, Alexander Faria Orchestra, Jorge Arce and the Humano Multicultural Project, the Eric German Orchestra, Zayra Pola & 3nity, Ray De La Paz Orchestra, and Johnny Rivera.  Here are descriptions of the performers.

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

Tanglewood Holds Centennial Celebration Concert Honoring Ella Fitzgerald on July 9

Photo courtesy of EllaFitzgerald.com 

A centennial concert in honor of jazz great Ella Fitzgerald is taking place at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood.  Tickets range from $12 to $55 and can be purchased at the venue.

Featured  guests include Dawn Upshaw, soprano; Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano; Lee Musiker, piano; members of the Boston Pops; and TMC vocal fellows.

Ella Fitzgerald was born in 1917, and became one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.  Known as the First Lady of Song, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammys and sold over 40 million albums.

Here is a schedule of performances at Tanglewood this summer.

For year round details on jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

JAZZ IN JULY Returns to UMass Amherst Campus on July 10-21

The annual Jazz in July Summer Music Program is taking place on July 10-21, 2017 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Founded over 30 years ago by the UMass/Amherst music department, Jazz in July brings together top jazz performers and educators to work with students for an intensive week of jazz instruction and improvisation.

In addition to the classes, the instructors and students also stage a series of concerts open to the public.  Here is a schedule of performances.

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Darryl's Corner Bar + Kitchen features live jazz with trumpeter Darren Barrett on Sunday, July 9

Darren Barrett 

Darryl's Corner Bar + Kitchen in Boston's South End has a full line-up of live music this week, featuring rhythm and blues musicians from Berklee College of Music; a classic big band; and Canadian Grammy Award winning trumpeter Darren Barrett.  Here is the schedule below:

Thursday July 6 : Aaron Venable & Co. (7:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 7 : Briana'Lise & The Fellas (7:00 p.m.)

Saturday, July 8 : DCBK House Band (7:00 p.m.)

Sunday, July 9 : Darren Barrett Band (6:00 p.m.)

Here is the menu at Darryl's. 

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com. 

Bobby Keyes Jazz Trio Performs at Maudslay Arts Center in Newburyport on July 8

The Maudslay Arts Center presents the Bobby Keyes Trio in concert at the  at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017.  Tickets to the show are $28 and can be purchased online or by calling 978 499-0050.

Bobby Keyes is a versatile guitarist who blends a range of music - jazz, r&b, country, pop and swing - into a distinct American sound.   His newest album is Dojogobo.

Located in Newburyport, the Maudslay Arts Center is now in its 25th year of staging live music through the summer.  Here is the upcoming schedule.

Find more about jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.

Jason Palmer Performs at NEC's Jordan Hall on June 28

Jazz trumpeter Jason Palmer is performing at the Jazz Lab at the New England Conservatory of Music at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2018. The concert takes place at Jordan Hall and is free and open to the public.

Palmer is a well-known musician, composer and educator who performs regularly at Wally's Cafe in Boston's South End when he is not on national or world tours.

The Jazz Lab provides opportunities for motivated students to spend a week on campus working with like-minded musicians, a world class faculty and renowned guest artists.

Find year round jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com.