One of the reasons Atlantans love living in this Southern metropolis is because of the myriad of outdoor festivals that take place throughout the year. The Atlanta Jazz Festival gets summertime started with a bang during Memorial Day weekend and is country’s largest free jazz festival. Located in the beautiful Piedmont Park, this free festival brings together some of the jazz world’s most celebrated artists to perform for thousands of jazz enthusiasts and fans.
An interesting fact about the Atlanta Jazz Festival is that it actually takes place for thirty-one days during the month of May. There are numerous activities such as jazz educational workshops, classes and special concerts that take place around the city all coming to an exciting climax during the weekend long concert on Memorial Day weekend.
One of the major reasons the Atlanta Jazz Festival is such a big draw is the location. Piedmont Park is the city’s largest public park and is a gorgeous space for a concert series. The green trees and man-made lake create a beautiful backdrops for such a uniquely rich art form as jazz.
This year’s line-up is sure to bring thousands of newcomers into the flock. Some of the highlights include Marcus Miller featuring Christian Scott, Spyro Gyra, Diane Schuur and Jason Marsalis – all gracing the main stage during the weekend long extravaganza.
In addition to listening to great musicians and enjoying the scenic qualities of Piedmont Park, attendees can also partake in some amazing food, art, jewelry and other local fare. Some attendees prefer to pack their own basket with wines, cheeses and other delicious treats as this outdoor concert is the ideal setting to spread out a blanket and relax with friends and family.
For those jazz enthusiasts who want to expose children to this unique cultural art form, there is a Kidzone which offers up activities and other interactive games that keep children entertained and introduce them to the powers of jazz music while attending the festival.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a glorious celebration of art, music, culture and food near the heart of Downtown Atlanta.
Main Stage Performers:
Saturday, May 29, 2010:
2pm – Rialto Jazz for Kids All Star Jazz Band
3pm – Jay Norem/Keith White Quartet
4pm – Steven Charles Band
5:30pm – Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
7pm – Swing Streets to Swing Beats Featuring Esperanza Spalding and Raydar Ellis
8:30pm – Marcus Miller “Tutu Revisited – the Music of Miles Davis” featuring Christian Scott
Sunday, May 30, 2010:
2pm – Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble Jazz Band
3pm – The Ultimate Jazz Score Video Contest Winner
4pm – Kathleen Bertrand
5:30pm – Spyro Gyra
7pm – MF Productions Celebration of Lionel Hampton Featuring Diane Schurr and Jason Marsalis
8:30pm – Stanley Clarke Band and Hiromi
Directions
BY CAR
Parking in and around the park is very limited. Park visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation. If you drive, you may wish to download our map showing the route and driving directions to the new SAGE Parking Facility. The parking facility is operated by the Atlanta Botanical Garden and is available for visitors to Piedmont Park and the Garden. Multi-Visit Parking Passes are available. Purchase your pass.
By MARTA
Midtown Station – take 10th Street towards Peachtree Street and continue on 10th until you reach Piedmont Avenue. Turn left on Piedmont Avenue and walk two blocks to the 12th and 14th Street gates of Piedmont Park. (or you can continue walking on 10th Street and the park will soon be on your left side).
Arts Center Station – head south on West Peachtree street for one block. Head east (go left) on 14th Street for three blocks until you reach the 14th Street entrance to the Park.
MARTA bus Route 27 (Monroe Dr./Lindbergh) and Route 36 (North Decatur) run by Piedmont Park. Click the route links above to get maps and bus schedules from the MARTA website. For additional information call MARTA at 404.848.4711.
BIKE/ON FOOT
Park entrances open to pedestrians and cyclists include:
- Park Drive Bridge (access Park Drive from Monroe Drive)
- 10th Street & Charles Allen (park runs along 10th Street from just west of Monroe Drive on 10th Street to a block short of Piedmont Avenue & 10th Street)
- Piedmont Avenue & 12th Street
- Piedmont Avenue & 14th Street
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The following park entrances are wheelchair accessible: 12th Street Gate; 14th Street Gate; Charles Allen Drive Gate; Park Drive.
