2nd Annual Maymont Richmond Jazz Festival, August 11 – 14
Beginning Thursday August 11, 2011, Maymont will host its 2nd Annual Richmond Jazz Festival. A world-class lineup of musicians at three venues over four days includes a kick-off event with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at CenterStage and a Saturday night performance by Aaron Neville. The festival includes over 20 local and national artists, along with vendors, scheduled wine tastings and chef demonstrations.
The festival begins on Thursday with “Homegrown at the Hipp” featuring local jazz artists at the Hippodrome Theater. Friday’s headliner kickoff will benefit the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, and two solid days of smooth jazz on two stages amidst the beautiful grounds of Maymont begin on the 13th. Doors open at 11:00 AM.
Saturday’s schedule includes Joye B. Moore, Maestro J, Down to the Bone, Simone, Earl Klugh, Kirk Whalum, Aaron Neville, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Spyro Gyra, Christian McBride and Inside Straight, Soul of Summer, The Rippingtons and Chrisette Michele. On Sunday, enjoy the musical stylings of Shanta “Bunmi” Jasper, Sharon Rae North, U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, Tizer featuring Karen Briggs, Los Lobos, Fourplay, Robin Thicke, Bop Nation, Plunky & Oneness, Pieces of a Dream, Jazz Attack, Brian Culbertson and more. Schedules are available on the Maymont Richmond Jazz Festival website and are subject to change without notice.
You must be at least 21 years of age, or accompanied by an adult to attend the jazz festival. Children 2 and under are free. You may bring picnic baskets, however no outside alcohol or spirits will be permitted and glass containers are prohibited. You are encouraged to bring your own chairs or blankets and the Maymont events are entirely outdoors. Complete details are available on the event website.
The Maymont Richmond Jazz Festival is just one of many exciting cultural and entertainment events hosted locally each year. Rooms at the Historic Richmond Inns book well in advance of popular festivals, so watch this column to identify your favorite fetes and plan ahead!