For over a decade the New Bedford JazzFest has lit up the Southcoast Massachusetts music scene with the sounds of jazz, giving a platform for local/regional/national acts of the highest caliber. It has been a rough couple of years for many around the globe amidst the pandemic, especially artists and the venues that feature them. NBJF is no different, as we had to cancel our outdoor event in 2020 and produce an entirely online version of our fest instead. After a successful “mini” event in November of ’21 at Kilburn Mill, now we are back, and happy to announce our 10th Anniversary Show at Kilburn Mill and Event Space!
Bria Skonberg
This year’s event will take place on the handicapped accessible 3rd floor event space at Kilburn Mill. This is a gorgeous location that gives you the feel of the outdoors with their floor to ceiling windows, but the protection of the climate controlled, high ceiling event space overlooking Clark’s Cove. They will supply a cash bar of liquor, beer and wine, and they have a fun and tasty pub-food menu to choose from during your visit with NBJF.
NBJF strives to pay homage to the great American artform: Jazz. We do that by offering talent that always falls in the “jazz” music category. Many jazz festivals have become “music” festivals, offering loads of different styles of music including pop, rock and more. NBJF has decided to take a different path…sticking to our jazz roots. This year is no different. Bill Pierce is bringing his classic bop, Becky Bass’s program will be vocal led jazz with an occasional Caribbean flair, Southcoast Jazz Orchestra is 17 pieces of classic big band and Hot Club Cheese Roll brings hot jazz (maybe even a little gypsy jazz) to our 10th year event! All of this year’s program is accessible to the casual listener of jazz and highly appreciable by the most sophisticated jazz aficionado.
JazzFest is produced by and for the benefit of Your Theatre, Inc., New Bedford’s 76-year old community theatre group. YTI has partnered with Waterfront Historic League (WHALE) to purchase, restore and convert 149 William St. (First Baptist Church) into a permanent home and community arts center: Steeple Playhouse. Proceeds from this event will assist in this partnership to preserve vital historic architecture and provide a lasting home for NB’s longest running community theatre. www.yourtheatre.org
For updates about the festival “like” our Facebook Page.
New Bedford JazzFest 