Over three evenings (Aug. 26, 27, and 28) at two different New York City locations (Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem for the first two dates, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village for the third), the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival rolled out a memorable list of artists for its 30th edition.
Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force—a 10-piece big band—dominated opening night, with able support from tap dancer Calvin Booker and friends. The following day’s lineup featured South African singer Vuyo Sotashe and his band; up-and-coming vibraphonist Nikara Warren; bass legend Buster Williams’ Something More quartet; and trumpeter Terence Blanchard with his E-Collective, joined by the Turtle Island Quartet. For Sunday’s finale, guitarist Pasquale Grasso, trumpeter Bria Skonberg, and tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana all took the stage, but the biggest surprise came in the closing set: an exceedingly rare trio performance by pianist Jason Moran, saxophonist Archie Shepp, and vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Regular JazzTimes photographer Alan Nahigian took in all three days of the festival and captured the images below.
For more information about the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, which is a free event run by the New York City Parks Foundation, visit its website.
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