If you are looking for a road trip to check out another great Ohio jazz scene, there is a strong new addition to the festival circuit this weekend. The first annual Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival opens on Friday, August 26th, with the bulk of its programming on Saturday, August 27th. Highlighting the vibrant roster of musicians and bands in Akron and the larger Northeast Ohio area, this festival will host live jazz and blues on three stages at the intersection of Main and Market in downtown Akron: BLU Jazz+, Musica, and Maiden Lane. All events are free, open to the public, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This year’s festival’s headlining artist is acclaimed saxophonist Chris Potter, who will perform on the main stage with Dan Wilson’s DTC Organ Trio on Saturday at 7pm. Of special note for Columbus attendees is that the lineup also includes local native Sam Blakeslee leading his Large Group at BLU Jazz+ on Saturday at 3:45pm. The festival includes a jazz-themed food truck and family activities. Keep reading for a detailed schedule and promotional videos, and consider a jazz adventure this weekend!
Anthony Taddeo, Christopher Burge, Aidan Plank, and Jackie Warren
Friday, 8 PM · BLU Jazz+
James Johnson Quartet
Saturday, 2 PM · Maiden Lane
Bluelight
Saturday, 2:30 PM · BLU Jazz+
Kristine Jackson & Willie Ross
Saturday, 3 PM · Musica
Sam Blakeslee Large Group
Saturday, 3:45 PM · BLU Jazz+
Kenny Davis Quartet w/Vanessa Rubin
Saturday, 3:45 PM · Maiden Lane
Austin Walkin’ Cane
Saturday, 4:45 PM · Musica
Youth Performance
Saturday, 4:45 PM · BLU Jazz+
Hubb’s Groove
Saturday, 5:15 PM · Maiden Lane
Bobby Selvaggio’s Grass Roots Movement
Saturday, 5:45 PM · BLU Jazz+
Moustache Yourself
Saturday, 6 PM · Musica
DTC Organ Trio featuring Chris Potter
Saturday, 7 PM · Maiden Lane
Acid Cats
Saturday, 8:30 PM · Musica
Sammy DeLeon with dancers
Saturday, 9 PM · Maiden Lane
Dance Party
Saturday, 11 PM · Musica
Jam Session
Saturday, 11:30 PM · BLU Jazz+
http://www.rubbercityjazz.com/