2010 Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival

March 13 & 14, 2010, 11am - 5pm

The Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival serves up hot jazz and cool blues on the Tallahassee Museum’s outdoor stage in an annual festival that lets families and individuals of all ages enjoy this great music in a wholesome environment.

The two-day event features live performances of traditional and contemporary jazz and blues, including R&B, Delta blues, Dixieland jazz, swing, zydeco, and rockin’ contemporary blues. The great mix of big bands and tight ensembles includes the Swingin’ Harpoon Band, Bogazedi, Tallahassee Swing, Thursday Night Music Club, ACME Rhythm & Blues Band and Royal Garden Dixieland Band.

The festival is organized by Del Suggs, a professional musician with local roots who runs Saltwater Music, a company that reflects the musical character of this region. He was involved in the founding of the Jazz & Blues Festival.

“The festival is an important all-around event that lets people hear jazz and blues in a family setting,” Mr. Suggs said. “This is true American music.”

Mr. Suggs added that performing for multiple generations is a special treat, knowing that some young person in the audience may fall in love with jazz and blues for years to come.

The festival is free for members and season pass-holders. For others, it is included in regular daily admission fees, ranging from $9 for adults to $6 for ages 4-15, with discounts for students and seniors. Free Admission Sunday March 14, from 11 am to 12pm.

Festival weekend begins Saturday morning with Pioneer Breakfast, an all-you-can-eat fund-raiser breakfast on the Museum’s Big Bend Farm. $7 adults, $5 kids.

Save on Saturday with an all-day combo ticket that includes Pioneer Breakfast and opening day of the Jazz & Blues Festival:  $15 adults, $10 kids.