Twin Cities Jazz Festival (TCJF) is an annual jazz festival held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, over a weekend in late June. The long-lasting music tradition was established by Steve Heckler in 1999, and since then, the festival has pulled in dozens of big names and rising stars you would unlikely seek out.
Locations of Events
The headliners' concerts typically run at Mears Park, whereas other stages are scattered across the city, with the majority of them centered in the Lowertown neighborhood, and Downtown Saint Paul. Over the years, the festival has used several clubs, including the Bulldog, Black Dog, Mancini's, Hygga, Vieux Carre, Hat Trick, Union Depot, Saint Paul Hotel, the Citizen Bar and Grill, and Amsterdam Bar and Grill. As the Twin Cities Jazz Festival is free and open to the public, you've got unlimited access to the best-in-class performances across various venues.
Schedule & Lineup
While the lineup overall is rich and filled to the brim with talented artists, the main stage at Mears Park hosts the best of the best. On June 21st at 6 pm, prepare to be amazed by Karrin Allyson, a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist. The band Stefon Harris & Blackout, comprised of the lead vibraphonist Stefon Harris and his band members from Blackout, will perform at 8:30 pm.
June 22nd also promises a star lineup, with Joe Lovano Quartet, including Kenny Werner, John Lockwood, and Francisco Mela at 6 pm. A veteran of the jazz genre, Regina Carter will demonstrate her violin skills at 8 pm, accompanied by her quartet. Headlining performances last approximately 75-90 minutes, while other artists perform for an hour. The concerts end by the city's curfew, 10 pm.
Admission
The festival is completely free to attend since The Twin Cities Jazz Fest is a non-profit organization completely funded by donors and local sponsors. Consider stocking up on cash to purchase foods and beverages from eateries at the venue. You can bring your own lawn chair or a blanket and cozy up to your loved ones while listening to relaxing jazz tracks.
Jazz Fest Past Performers
Some of the top draws have been McCoy Tyner, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joey Alexander, Joshua Redman, Nayo Jones, The Bad Plus, Mose Allison, the Yellowjackets, Dave Brubeck, Joey DeFrancesco, Gary Burton, Von Freeman, Bill Evans, Benny Golson, Kristin Korb, Hiromi, Phil Hey Quartet, Bobby Sanabria, Spyro Gyra, Esperanza Spalding, Percy Strother, Jon Weber, and so many more.
