5 minute read
Jazz in June
Local nonprofit revives live jazz and blues for the community
Norman’s famed Jazz in June returns for its best year yet, beginning Thursday, June 16 and running through Saturday, June 18. The 3-day festival will feature world-renowned artists and musicians, marking its 39th year serving the Norman community. Attendees can expect to see all live performances in Andrews Park, with access to some of Norman’s best food trucks and breweries in the area. “We think people will enjoy three nights rather than one at Andrews Park, picnicking on the grass under the trees,” shared Norman Hammon, executive director of Jazz in June. “Expect to sit back, relax and have a great evening.” Previously shared between Andrews Park and Brookhaven, this year’s festival will solely reside in Andrew’s Park, often referred to as the “heart of Norman.” A break in tradition was necessary to meet the growing festival’s needs. “We like to think of Jazz in June as a gift of love each year, not only to the city of Norman but to the 40% of our audience that comes from elsewhere,” Harmon said. Another featured treat at this year’s festival will be a pilot program partnership with 405 Brewing. “We will have a special summer brew that reflects the festival’s vibe. It will also be released at local liquor stores and grocery stores this June,” explained Kate Bierman, president of the board for Jazz in June. The special release of this unique brew will be a test run for next year’s 40th celebration. Visitors are encouraged to submit feedback as the festival prepares for next year’s events. Concert-goers can also expect to see a beer garden this year, with a variety of vendors available. “We are so thankful to the city of Norman and the community for being so receptive of the changes made to our long-running festival,” said Bierman. “We are looking forward to working with the city and area breweries and vendors to make future years of the festivals at Andrews Park just as wonderful.” All concerts are professionally recorded with permission, post-produced by Gossett Productions, and shared by KGOU Radio on holidays such as the 4th of July, reaching an estimated 97,000 people. Additionally, it’s offered to National Public Radio at no cost, extending its reach even further. “We took advantage of a collaboration project grant,” Harmon explained. “We wanted to reach people who couldn’t physically come to the event and also to support public radio. It has turned out to be wonderful. Even when in-person numbers went down during the pandemic, radio numbers were strong.” “Jazz in June has a multitude of positive effects not the least of which is the incredible talent and variety of jazz and blues that we bring to Norman,” continued
Harmon. “There aren’t many jazz festivals, and we are one of the few that are purely jazz and blues and we are proud of that. Jazz is an American musical art form, created by Americans and it is something we believe everyone should be celebrating.” Jazz in June boosts Norman’s community in a variety of ways, including contributing a $2 to $3 million dollar economic impact, as the 3rd largest festival in Norman.
THIS YEAR’S LINEUP INCLUDES: THURSDAY, JUNE 16
7:30 opener - US Army Jazz Ambassadors, a classic big band that has been performing since 1969. The highly sought after group tours all 50 states, as well as the world, playing everything from standards to contemporary music. 9:15 headliner - singer and guitarist, JW Jones, a Canadian Blues guitarist who has twice won the international blues challenge in Memphis Tennessee, is a top 10 billboard artist, and a Juno Award Nominee, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
7:30 opener - Nth Power, a super positive and funky trio that spreads love through their music. Their singer, Nick Cassarino, has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma and Allison Krauss. Their drummer, Nikki Glaspie, was Beyonce’s world tour drummer and has performed with Jay-Z, Kanye West and more. 9:15 headliner - Marquis Hill and the Blacktet. Marquis is a winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Award and has been featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
7:30 opener - Mark Lettieri, a 4-time Grammy-winning guitarist who’s played with Erykah Badu, Nelly, The Jacksons, Snarky Puppy, David Crosby, as well as many others. 9:15pm festival headliner - Ghost-Note, a powerhouse conglomeration of some of the top musicians in the business. The drummer, Spit Searight, is a 6-time Grammy Winner, former drummer for Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake, and currently on tour with Toto. The bassist is the legendary MonoNeon, who was Prince’s last bass player before he passed away. “We are so proud of the quality that we are bringing to Norman,” shared Eric Walschap, program director of Jazz in June. “The best in the business is coming to Norman with artists that headline the largest jazz festivals in the world, such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Montreal, Newport, and Java Jazz. These tickets would normally cost hundreds of dollars and ours is completely free. “You can walk up and stand just feet away from multiple Grammy winners.” The competition is steep, and bands are booked 18 months in advance with a 4-5% acceptance rate, but they are always on the lookout for amazing Oklahoma talent. “It is difficult, but once on stage, you’re in the company of some of the best musicians on the planet,” Walschap said. Next year’s lineup has yet to be released, but the wait will be well worth it. The upcoming 40th year celebration is promising to be spectacular and unlike any previous year’s festival. Jazz in June originated in 1984 and began as a single jazz performance. Thomas Carey, an African American music professor at the University of Oklahoma and founder of the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company, wanted more people to be able to experience jazz in the community. Together, with Rachel Jacquemain, executive director of the Norman Arts and Humanities Council at the time, a joint project was created, forming the foundation of what would become Jazz in June. Some of the donors that help make Jazz in June possible include the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma Arts Council, Norman Arts Council, Schwartz Family Foundation and Kirkpatrick Foundation of Oklahoma City, Arnall Family Foundation, Armstrong Bank, Hudiburg Subaru, Embassy Suites Hotel, RV General Stores and many more. “We are very fortunate to have the support we do, including the Jazz in June campaign that families and small businesses contribute to,” said Harmon. In lieu of paper programs, environmentally friendly access to all information can be obtained through the festival’s new app, located and available for download on their website. The app will have all necessary information in one place, including the scheduled lineup, vendors and maps, with new content expected closer to date. Visit jazzinjune.org to see the amazing lineup of artists, download the app, donate and learn more about their mission.– BSM
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