All of Downtown Scranton will serve as center stage for an award-winning music festival as the 18th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival tradition returns to the Electric City, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 4, 5 and 6.
The festival is made possible through partnerships with Blu Elefante Events, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, First Friday Scranton, Lackawanna County, and Scranton Tomorrow, and with the generous support of sponsors and media partners.
This year’s event continues the tradition, reminiscent of a New Orleans style festival. New this year are two ticketed main stage performances and multiple free venues throughout Downtown Scranton. Featuring national, regional and local musicians, SJF fans will enjoy the extensive variety and unique experience they have grown to expect, and love.
The SJF continues its support of local businesses. While enjoying performances by accomplished jazz, blues and world beat musicians, visitors to Downtown Scranton are encouraged to explore the wonderful restaurants, pubs and cafés in the Business District. So many establishments are still recovering financially, and these small businesses will benefit from the extra foot traffic generated by the festival.
The SJF has garnered international recognition and has been mentioned in U.S. News and World Report, for the cultural diversity and integrity it has brought to the region. In celebration of its commitment to the arts, admission is free on Friday. There will be two ticketed events, Saturday at the Peoples Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College featuring 10 time Grammy award winning vocal group Take 6, and Sunday at The Ritz Theater featuring the Emmy nominated Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band with award winning vocalist Kathy Kosins & special guests. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music in more than 20 venues in the Downtown Scranton Business District all weekend.
For more information about the 18th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival, tickets, a schedule of performances, and artist information, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org and follow Scranton Jazz Festival on social media.
