End-of-summer traditions are bittersweet. Peak, mid-season heat cools, leaving near-perfect days for celebrations like the Minnesota State Fair and other outdoor events like the annual Selby Jazz Festival.
Greeting the 18th annual festival, held at the intersection of Selby Avenue and Milton Street in St. Paul on Sept. 14, was a day that oscillated between sunny, mild-weather perfection and light cloud cover.
People packed the area in front of the stage, sitting on folding chairs or the grass and standing to listen to jazz and soul from artists like St. Paul’s Patricia Lacy and her band, and the headliner, soul singer Goapele. Spontaneous dancing flared up across the dancefloor in front of the large stage erected in the center of Selby Avenue, and little dance grouplets could be seen vibing to the day’s emphatic horn sections and soulful backup singers.
Food vendors grilled just about every meat from land and sea. Lines formed following the savory smells of Greek lamb, Jamaican jerk chicken, and southern fried catfish, among many others.
All photos by Steve Floyd except where noted.
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Excellent event. Family friendly. Incredible music, information, food, services and products from vendors. Great to see so many friends and acquaintences from over the years. Can’t wait to enjoy the 19th yr of the festival in 2020.