27th Annual Pensacola Jazz Festival Celebration

Jazz Festival

On April 11, the 27th Annual Pensacola Jazz Festival kicked off its second day of the weekend in Seville Square with music, food and art.

“This is a yearly event that me and my wife love and never miss,” local guitar teacher Gary Seaman said. “The food is always amazing, the art is beautiful, and the music is excellent. Plus it gives you the opportunity to mingle with others in the area who share a common interest.”

With the lawn area full of people sitting in chairs brought from home and blankets placed on the ground, the day began by dedicating the first three hours to local school bands. The schools that contributed were the Escambia High School Jazz Band, Navarre High School Jazz Band, Tate High School Jazz Band, Northwest Florida State College Jazz Band and Pensacola Junior College Jazz Band.

“This is the first time I have played jazz fest, and it was one of my greatest experiences ever,” Tate High School jazz musician Catie Spear said. “I just hope that I will be able to experience this next year too.”

After the final school band exited the stage, there was a short break in order to get the stage set up for those performing next.

During the break the kids area, “Jazz JHams for Kids” with Mike Potter, was opened where the kids were provided harmonicas and kazoos to play music themselves.

Throughout the rest of the day, those who attended listened to music from jazz musicians such as Guffman Trio, Aaron Weinstien and Howard Alden Duo, Loren Pickford Quintet and the Donald Vega Piano Trio.

The Phillips Piano Competition Winner Trio also performed and received a standing applause from many in the crowd once his performance was through.

After 27 years, the Pensacola Jazz Festival continues to draw crowds year after year.

"When i first moved here to Pensacola, a couple of buddies told me about this jazz festival downtown," local jazz fan Tim Hauck said. "Ever since then I've been coming back, its so much fun."