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Atlanta, GA — One of the nation’s largest FREE jazz festivals is back, and it’s ready to set Atlanta on fire. The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to the iconic Piedmont Park, celebrating culture, community, and the timeless power of jazz in the heart of Atlanta. Presentedm by Design Essentials and powered by Bank of America, this Memorial Day weekend tradition takes place Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with live performances lighting up the stages from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. To kick off the excitement, festivalgoers can view a special video message from Atlanta MayorAndre Dickens by clicking HERE. “We have a fabulous lineup of musicians performing at the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival,”said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of CulturalAffairs. “This year’s festival features an exciting mix of national and local talent spanningtraditional, smooth, contemporary, hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and modern jazz. The festivalrepresents a true full-circle moment for our city. We open with an Atlanta artist, and we closewith an artist whose career first blossomed here in Atlanta—celebrating the extraordinary talentthat is born, raised, and amplified right here in Georgia. There’s something for every musiclover, and we’re excited to welcome everyone for an unforgettable weekend. For moreinformation visit the festival website: atljazzfest.com.” Here’s the schedule in Piedmont Park: Saturday, May 231 pm Buddy Red3 pm aja monet5 pm Nate Smith7 pm Christian McBride & Ursa Major9 pm Kamasi Washington Sunday, May 241 pm Cleveland P. Jones3 pm Myron McKinley Trio5 pm Donnie – The Colored Section7 pm Esperanza Spalding9 pm The Roots Monday, May 251 pm Cody Matlock3 pm Nicole Zuraitis5 pm Destin Conrad7 pm Butcher Brown9 pm PJ Morton “Atlanta is home for us, and community has always been at the heart of Design Essentials. Supporting the Atlanta Jazz Festival for the third year in a row is simply a reflection of who we are — a brand rooted here, built here, and shaped by the people and culture around us. We don’t just know hair — we know our community. We’ve grown alongside the creativity, the rhythm, and the generations that make Atlanta what it is, and that connection is essential to everything we do.” – Cornell McBride, CEO Design Essentials. “For nearly five decades, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has reflected Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. At Bank of America, we believe the arts play a meaningful role in strengthening communities and bringing people together through shared experiences. Music is an important part of Atlanta’s story, and we’re proud to support an event that showcases worldclass talent while celebrating the city’s deep musical roots.” – Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta This year marks an exciting new chapter for the festival as it welcomes two dynamic partners to help propel the Atlanta Jazz Festival to new heights: Sol Fusion—the powerhouse creative force behind One Music Fest serving as Festival Manager, and Next Level Events, leading artist booking and management. Piedmont Park Festival Highlights: Sponsors for the 2026 Atlanta Jazz Festival include Design Essentials and Bank of America.For sponsorship opportunities, contact Brenda Moorer at bmoorer@atlantaga.gov. Stay Connected: Follow the festival and join the conversation:● Facebook: AtlantaJazzFestival● X: @AtlantaJazzFest● Instagram: @AtlantaJazzFestival Discover this year’s artists and curated sounds on Spotify and YouTube. The 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Its mission is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazz fans while nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. The festival is funded through corporate sponsorships and Atlanta Jazz Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofit organization. For more information about this year’s festival including the VIP Experience & Lounge, transportation options, and nearby accommodations visit the website at atljazzfest.com.

Atlanta, GA — Enjoy an exhilarating evening and kick off Memorial Day Weekend with pianist Robert Glasper and vocalist Baby Rose. Presented by Atlanta Jazz Festival Inc., the concert will take place on Friday, May 23 at 8 pm at Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. To purchase your tickets, click HERE.  Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 5 Grammy wins and 12 nominations across 11 categories, an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins, and a Peabody Award for his Composition of “Mr. Soul!”  Evolution is Glasper’s hallmark. His breakout crossover album Black Radio changed the face of the genre and set a new expectation for what popular music could be. The album won him the Grammy for best R&B album and established him as the musician of choice for some of the world’s most iconic artists; notably playing keys throughout Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, winning another Grammy for the elastic track “These Walls.” The ongoing Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community: from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu. Baby Rose makes healing music for the aimless and heartbroken. The Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and producer’s uniquely rich voice naturally lends itself to her powerful, smoke-filled ballads lamenting lost loves and broken futures. “I make music to help myself get through things,” she says. The piercing honesty and vulnerability she brings to her lyrics in turn helps others process their feelings and find a place of healing.  Growing up in Washington DC, the artist, born Jasmine Rose Wilson, first realized the power of her voice by reading original poems at family gatherings. Despite being bullied for her lower vocal register throughout her childhood and teen years, she ultimately found comfort in songwriting and singing while playing her piano, inspired by artists like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Janis Joplin — strong women who also possessed unique voices.

Atlanta, GA — One of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of culture, community, and the art of jazz. This year’s festival is presented by Design Essentials. Returning to Piedmont Park, in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the festival will take place from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26 from 11 am to 11 pm each day. “We have a fabulous lineup of musicians performing at the 48 th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival,” statesAdriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “We’representing international, national, and local artists who will perform a wide variety of music fromtraditional, swing, big band and contemporary jazz so there’s something for every jazz lover. Make plansto join us! To learn more about the artists performing at this year’s festival, and our pre-festival concert,visit our website: atljazzfest.com.” Here’s the schedule in Piedmont Park: Saturday, May 241 pm Khari Cabral & JIVA3 pm Aneesa Strings5 pm Takuya Kuroda7 pm Marsha Ambrosius9 pm Derrick Hodge Sunday, May 251 pm Kenny Banks Jr.3 pm Jarrod Lawson5 pm Ravi Coltrane7 pm Andromeda Turre9 pm Russell Gunn & Blackhawk Quartet Monday, May 261 pm Brandon Woody3 pm Tyreek McDole5 pm Charles McPherson7 pm Dianne Reeves9 pm Joe Gransden and his Big Band The Atlanta Jazz Festival Presents Robert Glasper on May 23This year’s pre-festival concert will be an evening with pianist Robert Glasper and vocalist Baby Rose atAtlanta Symphony Hall at 8 pm on Friday, May 23. Tickets will go on sale at Ticketmaster at noon onMarch 28. For more information click HERE. Piedmont Park Information Sponsors for this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival include Design Essentials, Publix, Crown Royal, TeremanaTequila, Chick-fil-A, PNC Bank, Centennial Yards, Chevrolet, Tito’s Vodka, Fontis, Marta, Atlanta Falcons. Sponsorships: For information about sponsorships contact Brenda Nicole Moorer atbmoorer@atlantaga.gov. Social Media: Stay connected, get the latest festival news, and join the conversation on Facebook:AtlantaJazzFestival; X: AtlantaJazzFest and Instagram: Atlanta Jazz Festival. The 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of CulturalAffairs. The mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazzfans and to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians. The festival is funded through corporatesponsorships and by Atlanta Jazz Festival Inc, a 501(c)(3) cultural, non-profit organization. For moreinformation about this year’s festival including The Jazz Spot, transportation options, nearbyaccommodations, and the Late-Night Jazz concert, visit the website at atljazzfest.com.

Overview The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is seeking a visual artist to create the official artwork to be used for posters and merchandise for the 2025 Atlanta Jazz Festival. The festival will select an artist whose work features the influence of jazz and its contribution to world culture. Project Background The Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. The annual celebration of the music, culture and art of jazz begins in April and culminates with each Memorial Day weekend in May, with an outdoor festival featuring jazz artists from all over the world. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is hosted by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and is free and open to the public. The mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival is to expose and entertain a diverse audience of jazz aficionados, young jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians to the rich heritage and variety of the genre as an authentic form of American music. Project Details In celebrating both the music and visual components of jazz culture, the artwork selected must have a jazz or music theme to be considered (be it figurative or abstract). All visual art mediums are encouraged – Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media, Photography, Photographed Sculpture and Digitally Designed prints.We will also provide the winning artist with a 10×10 artist booth space for the 2025 Jazz Festival free of charge. The booth shall be situated in a prime location determined by the city. The space will include power to the site, a 10×10 tent, two 8′ tables, and 2 folding chairs. Any additional furnishings or display materials must be provided by the selected artists. Eligibility Artist must be a resident of the United States, 18 years or older, and must have a documented history of visual art experience. The selected artist will be asked to sign a release form and permit use of the selected images for promotional, reproduction and merchandising purposes. Learn more about artist and submission requirements here

Atlanta, GA — “We are proud to announce the signature artwork for the 47 th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is Two Generations by Najee Dorsey,” states Camille Russell Love, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “The mixed media artwork depicts a father and son sharing a beautiful moment, and truly represents the spirit of the festival.” Dorsey’s artwork will be featured on this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival poster and t-shirt which will be available for purchase at the festival in Piedmont Park over Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27. Born in Blytheville, Arkansas on January 26, 1973, visual artist, and entrepreneur Najee Dorsey is known for embracing southern roots in his artwork by relaying scenes of African American life in the south. He began his journey as an artist at the age of five, selling his artwork to his mother for candy. From that point on, Dorsey continued making art as a favorite pastime. In high school, he earned a partial scholarship in 1991 to Memphis College of Art (later known as the Memphis Academy of Art). Dorsey left the institution prior to completing his first semester due to a combination of financial challenges, and the need for a more dynamic environment. He continued creating art part-time while working different jobs over the years. Balancing his schedule as an artist and employee, Dorsey went through a phase where he became indifferent about creating art. Then he met Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, an artist and community arts activist, who became his friend and mentor. The friendship provided inspiration and helped Dorsey refocus his energy on his first love, art. Between 1992 and 1993 Dorsey continued honing his craft, and produced an airbrushed work that became his first response to civil rights issues containing a message of social responsibility in a piece entitled, Guidance in the Time of Ignorance, which was purchased by Abdul-Musawwir. As an artist, Najee Dorsey has developed his craft over the years, and become known for his mixed media collage, digital media collage images of little known and unsung historical figures, as well as nostalgic scenes from African American life in the southern US. As he chronicles moments in Black life throughout history, he maintains that “stories untold are stories forgotten.” Dorsey has forged a successful career as an artist, being featured in numerous solo and group museum shows, television broadcasts and print publications. As well as these accomplishments, he has skillfully combined his creative edge and business acumen to develop a steadily growing online community that documents, preserves, and promotes the contributions of the African American arts community. Dorsey lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife, Seteria.

Atlanta, GA — This year Atlanta Jazz Festival audiences will be greeted by the festival’s new voice, Carl Anthony. He’ll host the FREE festival in Piedmont Park over Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27, 2024. “Carl has been a friend and supporter of the Atlanta Jazz Festival for more than 30 years,” states Camille Russel Love, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “His extensive experience as an on-air host and his wealth of knowledge about jazz make him the ideal person to be the voice of the Atlanta Jazz Festival. We look forward to officially welcoming him to the family this year in Piedmont Park.” Music has always been a big part of Carl’s life. He grew up in a household filled with jazz and Broadway soundtracks. During the Sixties he was listening to music emerging from Detroit, Philadelphia, Muscle Shoals, New York, and London, much of it driven by romance and the counterculture that birthed protest songs influenced by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. Carl’s career in the entertainment industry began by chance when he walked through the Virginia State College gym during his freshman year in 1970 and became a production assistant for the homecoming show featuring James Brown and The Delfonics. His next job was as an associate at a PR and ad agency in Washington, DC. There he worked on accounts including the Mark IV nightclub and learned concert and club production and promotion. A move to New York City saw him partnering with two friends to establish Turtle-Too Productions, and producing R&B concerts, showcases, and a Caribbean festival at venues including Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Beacon Theater, Studio 54, and Nassau Coliseum. By the end of the decade, he ventured into broadcast media and landed his first job as an overnight deejay in upstate New York at WPNR 90.7 FM on the campus of Utica College. Shifting directions, he moved back to DC to work for Mayor Marion Barry in the city’s Department of Housing and Urban Development for nine years. In the late 80’s Carl moved to Atlanta to be closer to family. This proved to be fortuitous as he was soon back on the air as a host at the #1 jazz station, WCLK 91.9 FM. Within a year he became the nighttime host of “Serenade To The City.” During his nearly quarter century tenure, beginning in 1989, his most notable achievements were creating and voicing the weekly jazz calendar, “Atlanta’s Live Jazz” from 2005 to 2012; emceeing the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s Youth Jazz Band Competition from 2003 to 2013; producing successful fundraisers for the station; interviewing numerous musicians, actors, and authors; and hosting concerts at every major venue in Atlanta. As an educator, he moderated “Jazz In The Classroom,” a WCLK initiative that brought music professionals into Atlanta middle schools to teach master classes by sharing knowledge and real-life experiences, coupled with musical instruction and jam sessions. He volunteered annually to speak to middle school students about a career in the broadcast industry during “Career Day,” and mentored college students in the Mass Media Department. He conducted jazz workshops at the 2009 National Black Arts Festival, for whom he also hosted a weekly jazz program, Notorious Jazz. In 2011 Carl created the Notorious Jazz website which is dedicated to preserving the genius and rich history of jazz. His daily profiles are shared widely across social media and have reached more than 85,000 followers in 48 countries. He moved to Miami in 2013 and began booking jazz combos for private events. In 2020 he collaborated with Hammonds House Museum during the Covid~19 pandemic and created Conversations About Jazz and Other Distractions, a series of 27 shows featuring 60 musicians, vocalists, managers, and more to engage a homebound audience of jazz and art enthusiasts. Carl’s latest venture, the i am project, is a non-profit that promotes jazz related endeavors. Atlanta Jazz Festival Social Media: Stay connected, get the latest festival news, and join theconversation on Facebook: AtlantaJazzFestival; X: AtlantaJazzFest and Instagram: AtlantaJazz Festival. The 47th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’sOffice of Cultural Affairs. The mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival is to educate and entertain adiverse audience of jazz fans and to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians. The festivalis funded through corporate sponsorships and by Atlanta Jazz Festival Inc, a 501(c)(3) cultural,non-profit organization. For more information about this year’s festival including the VIPExperience, and the WCLK AT 50 and Late-Night Jazz concerts, visit the website atatljazzfest.com.