TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL

TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL heads outdoors

By Beverly Medlyn

Like a great jazz performance, The HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival is ready to improvise to keep this treasured Tucson event alive in the age of COVID-19. From a 10-day event across multiple indoor venues in the past, this year’s festival will be a twoday outdoor event in downtown Tucson in the spring, March 20 and 21, 2021. “To make sure our jazz fans and artists are in a safer environment, outdoors is the way to go,” says Khris Dodge, executive director of the festival. “Plus, you can’t beat how gorgeous Tucson’s weather is in March!”

A shorter schedule will not diminish the high quality or quantity of artists. Four national “headliner” acts will perform each day on two stages, along with local jazz ensembles. An added benefit for ticket buyers will be having ability to experience multiple acts over one or two days at one low ticket price.

“The 2021 two-day VIP pass costs only $250,” says Artistic Director Andrew Birgensmith, “which is a huge savings from previous years and will hopefully upgrade the festival experience for more people.” The VIP package includes reserved seats in front with access to a raised viewing deck and bar, two drink tickets per day – and most prized of all – private access to platinum port-a-potties! Regular ticket prices range from $65 for one-day general admission to $135 for two-day reserved seating.

Something else new this year is the launch of Club 100 -- a membership of supporters giving $1,000 each to help keep the festival alive and have exclusive perks, like attending an extravagant party with live music and more on the eve of the festival. "It’s a way for us to thank a small support community for helping our larger community to thrive,” Dodge says.

The festival committee is looking at many great areas downtown to hold the festival and will announce the location soon. Keeping patrons, musicians, and staff safe will be a top priority. Both stages will be large enough to allow for social distancing for musicians and if required to host the festival at a reduced capacity, seating will be spaced accordingly and arrangements for “pod” seating can be made for social groups or families. Other operational details from food service to bathrooms will be maintained with the highest standards of cleanliness and adherence to city regulations for safety. T

he Tucson Jazz Festival is regarded as the premiere jazz festival in the Southwest and gains more and more national recognition each year. “With a revitalized downtown, the Fourth Avenue District thriving in the spring and new hotels opening in early 2021, the city is a fun place to be,” Dodge says. “It's truly become a destination event that benefits our whole community and we know this year’s event, while different, will still bring the same excitement and high caliber entertainment that Tucson has come to know."

For more, visit tucsonjazzfestival.org.