50th Annual Concord Jazz Festival

Concord, California celebrates 50 years of Jazz. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Concord Jazz Festival.

In 1969, Carl Jefferson organized the first Concord Summer Music Festival (that later became the Concord Jazz Festival), at an undeveloped 8-acre field next to Concord High School. More than 17,000 jazz enthusiasts attended the first year. This began the 50 year tradition that has welcomed artists such as Count Basey, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Marian McParltand, Mel Torme, Pancho Sanchez, Concord born and raised Dave Brubeck and more. 

In honor of Concord’s long-term connection with jazz, fans can immerse themselves in 10 days of jazz events that will enlighten, engage and entertain.

In the lead up to their “Take 10” featuring 10 days of Jazz, they’re hosting a monthly Java & Jazz series offered June through August benefits the Concord Historical Society and shares the history of Concord Records, the Concord Jazz Festival, and Concord jazz great – Dave Brubeck.

2019 Concord Jazz Festival
August 1 to 10, 2019
All Around Concord
Most events are free

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2019 Festival Schedule

Date	Time	Cost	Event
Thursday, August 1	6:30-8 pm	FREE	Day 1: Music & Market ~ Todos Santos Plaza An intro to jazz at Concord’s popular annual summer event, Music & Market in Todos Santos Plaza, featuring Steel ‘n’ Chicago—A Steely Dan and Chicago Tribute.
Friday, August 2	4-6 pm	FREE	Day 2: Jazz by DVC Jazz Ambassadors ~ The Veranda An exclusive evening jazz session with the DVC Jazz Ambassadors happens at one of Concord’s favorite settings—The Veranda.
Saturday, August 3	4-10 pm	Purchase Tickets	Day 3: Concord Jazz Festival 2019 + Art & Wine Expo ~ Concord Pavilion Featured artists at the Concord Pavilion will include Dave Koz & Friends: Summer Horns featuring Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Kenny Lattimore and Esperanza Spalding; The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra with Patti Austin, Jamison Ross and Carmen Bradford; Chick Corea: The Spanish Heart Band with Carlitos Del Puerto and Marcus Gilmore; Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band; Jazzmeia Horn.
Sunday, August 4	1-6:30 pm	FREE	Day 4: Jazz Concert ~ Todos Santos Plaza A special concert featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist and Concord native Mary Fettig with special guests Soul Sauce, John Santos & the Machette Ensemble, Steve Snyder’s Big Band and more.
Monday, August 5	6-8 pm	Purchase Tickets	Day 5: Tunes, Tacos, & Tequila ~ Puesto Latin jazz will be tuned in at Puesto to accompany a special menu and tequila tasting. Includes: Chips and salsa, mini esquite cup, choice of Chicken Al Pastor or Vegetarian Taco, (1) Puesto Perfect Margarita and a sampling of Don Julio Tequila. Don Julio’s rep on hand to share information. $35.00 inclusive per person. $25 for non-alcoholic option.
Tuesday, August 6	5:30-8 pm	FREE	Day 6: Trivia, Beer & Latin Jazz ~ Concord Tap House A trivia event all about jazz and Cabanijazz Project performing Cali-Mambo Latin music at Concord Tap House.
Wednesday, August 7	7:30-9 pm	Purchase Tickets	Day 7: Dr. Matt Zebley’s Organ Trio ~ Diablo Valley College Enjoy a lively evening jazz performance by Dr. Matt Zebley’s Organ Trio at Diablo Valley College.
Thursday, August 8	6:30-8 pm	FREE	Day 8: Music & Market ~ Todos Santos Plaza An intro to jazz at Music & Market in Todos Santos Plaza featuring David LaFlamme’s “It’s a Beautiful Day”—a late ’60s rock legend.
Friday, August 9	7-10 pm	Purchase Tickets	Day 9: Live Jazz Concert ~ Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Live jazz music featuring Nick Phillips/Ariane Cap Group at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord. The first 100 guests will receive an exclusive Visit Concord beach towel. Mention Visit Concord to receive free parking starting at 6 pm. Attendees must be 21 and over.
Saturday, August 10	2-8 pm	FREE	Day 10: Blue Devils Viewing Party ~ Todos Santos Plaza Watch the Blue Devils as they compete in the Drum Corps International in Indianapolis, IN.