Return of the Festival

Jazz in the Valley is back and its free

DAILY RECORD STAFF

The COVID-19 pandemic silenced one of the sweetest sounds of the Ellensburg summer when public health restrictions lead to the cancellation of Jazz in the Valley. But the festival is not only back this year, it’s free. The 2021 version is scaled down from what people expect of Jazz in the Valley, but there will still be a mix of jazz, blues and a sampling of other genres at downtown venues. The venues are the Red Pickle on the corner of Third Avenue and Pine Street, the Pearl Bar and Grill on Pearl Street, and the Top of the Burg on the roof of the Hotel Windrow. There will be six groups playing over two nights — July 30 and 31.

Ellensburg’s Mel Peterson will be one of the performers at this year’s Jazz in the Valley.