CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival RETURNS with LIVE Performances

↓ Sean Carney ↓ Vanessa Collier ↓ Soul Kitch 'n

Ohio’s BEST blues and jazz event is back this year, as the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival® (CBJF), presented by Visit Gahanna, returns Sept. 17-19 to the Creekside District with a slate of outstanding bands and artists.

Blues Music Award Winner Vanessa Collier will headline the Toyota Direct Blues Stage on Saturday night, as perennial favorite Urban Jazz Coalition takes the Heartland Bank Jazz Stage. The rest of the weekend rounds out with electric performances by Sean Carney & Friends, the Dave Powers Trio, James Gaiter’s Soul Revival, FLIPPO, Soul Kitch’n, and others.

“We made the decision months ago to hold the event in September for 2021, due to COVID restrictions that were in place,” said Lori Kappes, Executive Director of Visit Gahanna. The 2020 CBJF was canceled due to COVID-19.

According to Kappes, the CBJF steering committee already had implemented several changes to this year’s event in response to restrictions and autumn date for the festival, including two live music stages and modified hours.

“After having to cancel last year’s CBJF, we are thrilled to bring this tradition back to Gahanna’s beautiful Creekside District in 2021,” said Kappes. “Although some changes are being made for this year, festival attendees can still expect to enjoy amazing music, delicious food, and great fun!”

General admission and reserved table ticket sales will be available for purchase online beginning June 18. Daily Admission is $15, and a weekend pass is $40. Youth admission is $10, and free for children five and under. Weekend reserved tables at the Toyota Direct Blues and Heartland Bank stages are also available for purchase, with options for seating 2-6 people. Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.

Visit CreeksideBluesAndJazz.com to purchase admission tickets. Follow Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival on Facebook and Instagram @creeksidebluesandjazz.

There is a new reason to celebrate Wednesdays in Gahanna. “Midweek at the Creek(side)” offers an opportunity to get out, gather, grab some grub, and groove to some live music, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 30Aug. 25, at Creekside Plaza (117 Mill St.). Be sure to grab a CORA cup and delicious food from Nostalgia, Creekside Local Cantina, Stadium, Barrel & Boar, and Old Bag of Nails. There will be different performers every week and special offerings at restaurants, so mark your calendars for fun, family-friendly evenings. The series is presented by Creekside District Alliance, the City of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation, Visit Gahanna, the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, and presenting sponsor, Lew Griffin Insurance. Look forward to performances by:

• July 21 - Yours for the Taking • July 28 - Drew Allan Duo • August 4 - Joey & Jessica • August 11 - Shucking Bubba Acoustic • August 18 - Right on Main • August 25 - Buzzard Kings Acoustic

Stay tuned to social media for any potential weather-related cancellations. To learn more, visit @VisitGahanna or @CreeksideDistrict on Facebook.