Berklee’s annual Beantown Jazz Festival takes to the streets this weekend
The Beantown Jazz Festival, Berklee’s annual block party, is back again, bringing funky rhythms and big name artists to the streets of Boston this weekend.
The free event will feature live performances and food vendors spanning Columbus Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Burke Street. This year’s performers include seven-time Grammy-winner Al Jarreau, Billy Hart Trio, and Mili Bermejo.
Grammy-winning musician John Scofield kicked off the festival Friday night, performing his newest record, Country for Old Men, at the Berklee Performance Center.
This year’s performers are not the only ones with impressive accolades. The festival’s artistic director and Berklee professor Terri Lyne Carrington is a three-time Grammy winner who has toured Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, Stan Getz, David Sanborn, Joe Sample, Cassandra Wilson, Clark Terry, Dianne Reeves, and more.
Saturday’s main schedule will take place across three stages noon until dusk. Festival-goers will also find “food from several area restaurants and cultural exhibits from around the world,” according to the festival.
The festival was founded in 2007 by Darryl Settles, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and president of D’Ventures Limited, according to its website. It’s South End location is historically known for its jazz scene at places like Wally’s Cafe.
Want to get in the mood for the show? Check out this performance from last year’s festival featuring bassist Victor Wooten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLG0f76gvWfh_sJOK2a9dIkHzot9jp2iVK&time_continue=885&v=0-0QgYPZxiM
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