Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is coming on August 17, 2024

Get ready to mark your calendars and let the rhythm move you because the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is coming back to enchant the North Shore with its 18th season on August 17, 2024! This beloved event just took a significant step forward, securing permission to fill the scenic Salem Willows Bandshell with soulful melodies and jazz rhythms that promise a day of unforgettable musical bliss.

This festival isn’t just any event; it’s a beacon of community spirit, entirely powered by the dedication of volunteers. It stands as a testament to the power of music, bringing free concerts to our shores and supporting music education throughout the North Shore.

The festival’s heart beats stronger this year, with a revitalized board brimming with local talent and returning founders who are more passionate than ever. Matt Caruso and Larry Claflin Jr., two of the original visionaries, have rejoined, ready to steer this ship into a future filled with more music, education, and community engagement.

Music Education at SJSF
Musical Instrument experimentation at SJSF’s Main Festival. Photo Credit: Creative Collective

But what’s a festival without its lineup? Though details are still under wraps, expect early spring to bring announcements that will have you dancing with anticipation. And on festival day, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., you’ll experience the magic of five bands, immerse yourself in music education, and, fingers crossed, enjoy a refreshing beer tent and browse artisan vendors.

As we gear up for this spectacular day, let’s not forget the journey here. From unanimous support by Salem’s Park and Recreation Commission to exciting plans for expansion and increased support for music education, every step brings us closer to a festival that’s more vibrant and enriching than ever before.

So, whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or this will be your first dance with us at the Willows, get ready for a day filled with the soul-stirring power of jazz and community spirit. Keep an eye on salemjazzsoul.org for updates, and join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy and bright future of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. Let’s make history together on August 17, 2024, and prove once again that music is the lifeblood of our vibrant community.

Special thank you to our growing list of corporate sponsors. If you want to support us personally, check out our crowdfunding campaign!

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2023: A Celebration of Music and Community

We’re thrilled to announce the triumphant return of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival to the picturesque Salem Willows on August 19th, 2023, from 11 AM to 7 PM!

After a few years of uncertainty due to the global pandemic, we’re ready to bring back the rhythm to the Salem Willows, and invite you to celebrate the enduring spirit of our community, the rich history of jazz, soul, and the love for live music.

An Unforgettable Day of Music

This year’s festival promises to be an extravaganza of live music and much more! You can look forward to thrilling performances from bands like Krewe de Skunk, TapRoots, Diane Blue All Stars, BT/ALC Big Band, and Salem High School Jazz Band.

Adding to the excitement, we’re delighted to announce that DJ SKOTVOID will be returning to spin some tunes between sets, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and energetic all day long!

A Festival for All

Beyond the music, the festival also features educational workshops for budding musicians and enthusiasts, a wide variety of vendors for your shopping delight, and a beer tent for those looking to savor some craft brews. This community event promises a good time for all, irrespective of age or background.

A Mission of Music Education

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is more than just a music event. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide live music and music education opportunities for the North Shore community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, orientation, or gender expression. This festival is our love letter to music and the community supporting it.

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’re grateful to our generous sponsors, including the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), SOSS Records, The Lobster Shanty, and Mahi Mahi Cruises, who have made this event possible. Their support underscores local organizations’ commitment to arts, culture, and our community’s vibrancy and resilience.

Join Us!

We warmly invite you to join us for this free, incredible event and support live music. So mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and let’s share in the joy of music together! 🎶

August 6th from noon to 8pm! Live Music on Salem Common!

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has always been about bringing great music to the people of Salem, so we are bringing the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival downtown this year with a special one day event on Salem Common on August 6th from noon to 8pm!  Big thanks to Ellen Talkowsky and the City of Salem for helping us make this happen!  We are still ironing out the details, so keep an eye out for more information.
 
Apply now to perform, vend, volunteer, or sponsor!  Email us at board@salemjazzsoul.org

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2020 has been cancelled

With a heavy heart we are forced to cancel the 2020 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 🙁

Our last newsletter opened with the line: “2019 presented challenges, the likes of which had not been seen since our inception in 2007.” Well, it appears that 2020 saw that as a personal challenge because so far, this year has shown us all a whole new level of ‘challenging’.

As of right now, The Salem Jazz and Soul festival is forced to cancel our 2020 season due to Covid-19. Cancelled events include:

– Our spring fundraiser
– Our Derby Square series: May 9th, June 13th, July 11th and August 8th
– The 2020 Salem Jazz and Soul Festival at Salem Willows: August 15th and 16th, 2020

This is due to multiple factors first and foremost of which is the safety and health of our fans and musicians. We are following and complying with the directions and mandates of the State of Massachusetts and the City of Salem regarding gatherings and events. We have every plan to come back stronger than ever in 2021!

Two Shows Remaining!

 

Saturday August 9th, 2018 – Berklee / Derby Square series with Jas and Chums 5pm-7pm @ Derby Square, Salem

Saturday August 18th, 2018 – Day 1 of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 11am-7pm @ Salem Willows Park

Sunday August 19th, 2018 – Day 2 of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival @ Salem Willows Park

Rain cannot stop us!

The festival is scheduled to start Sat Aug 19th @ 11am rain or shine (but not active lightning).  Forecasts have been improving all week and we’re hoping for the best!  Click here to see the schedule!