Northampton Jazz Festival Taking Place Saturday, September 6

The 4th annual Northampton Jazz Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Hampton Avenue in downtown Northampton.

Headlining jazz performers include Etienne Charles, Seamus Blake, Champain Fulton and others.

Here is a full schedule of events.

The festival kicked off on Tuesday, September 2, with daily jazz activities leading up to the festival.

As part of the festivities, there is a Twelve Mile Meal Chef Battle featuring three teams of chefs from local restaurants.

And finally, a Home Brew Challente is taking place at the festival this year to determine the best home brewed beer in the area.

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com. 

Boston's Jazz Woman: Sue Auclair

Here is a profile of Boston's celebrated public relations diva, Sue Auclair, in the current issue of the 2014 MassJazz Guide.  Read the digital version here.

Pick up a free copy of MassJazz Guide at these locations.

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourism information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Boston Jazz Fest in South Boston Features Vocalist Pat Braxton, August 23

Jazz vocalist Pat Braxton is one of the headliners at the Boston Jazz Fest 2014, taking place at Maritime Park in South Boston, on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

WICN 90.5 of Worcester, which plays 120 hours of jazz each week, is one of the sponsors.

Find year round information on live jazz in Massachusetts at www.massjazz.com.

Celebrate "Dine Out Boston" with Live Jazz!

(2014 MassJazz Guide)

Dine Out Boston, a bi-annual celebration of greater Boston's culinary scene, is taking place on August 17-22 and 24-29, 2014 at fine restaurants throughout the area. The program is hosted by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Jazz lovers get added value at several venues, including the Top of the Hub Restaurant & Skywalk in Boston's Back Bay; The Beehive Restaurant and Les Zygomates, both in Boston's South End;  and Savinos Grill in Belmont.

You can find more details about jazz brunches, and live jazz in restaurants and night clubs, by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Jazz Vocalist Mike Dutra Performs 'Strictly Sinatra' at Boston Harbor Hotel's Summer in the City Series on Wednesday, August 20

Mike Dutra, the famed interpreter of Frank Sinatra's songbook - is performing with the Strictly Sinatra Band at the Summer in the City concert series at Rowes Wharf along Boston's waterfront on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. 

The free concert series, now in its 16th season, is hosted by the Boston Harbor Hotel and features live music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and movies every Friday, throughout the summer.

A native of Rhode Island, Dutra been performing Sinatra songs since 2002, performing in Las Vegas, New York, Boston and Miami.

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

For tourist information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

1st annual SPRINGFIELD JAZZ & ROOTS FESTIVAL TAKING PLACE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

An all-start line-up of great jazz and roots musicians are performing at the 1st annual Springfield Jazz & RootsFestival, taking place in Court Square, Springfield, on Saturday, August 9, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

The event is free and open to the public.  Here is the full schedule.
 
Among the performers: Phil Woods and the Greg Caputo Big Band, Charles Neville and the Charmaine Neville Band, Grace Kelly, the Alex Syndman Trio, Chuchito Valdes Quartet, Jessica Freeman, Argiro Quintet and Mikata.  Read more about the performers here.

“The rich diversity, creativity, cultural history and spirit of Springfield’s communities will be reflected through the performances, food, conversations, and information about art offerings and local programs-- demonstrating the beautiful tapestry that is Springfield,” wrote the organizers.

Here is a schedule of other jazzfestivals in Massachusetts through October 2014.

For news on live jazz and blues in Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com or read the digital magazine, MassJazz 2014.

For visitor information go to MassVacation.com.

2014 MassJazz Guide Celebrates Live Jazz in Massachusetts

The newly released 2014 MassJazz Guide showcases the vibrant jazz scene across Massachusetts.  The 44 page magazine lists jazz festivals, concerts, educational courses, and other activities taking place in the Bay State through April 2015.

Published by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, MassJazz is available for free at visitor centers, jazz venues and college campuses. 

You can also read the 2014 MassJazz Guide online.

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

For information about vising Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.