It’s that time again—the 2024 Selby Ave. JazzFest kicks off on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Selby and Milton in St. Paul. The Jazzfest is free and open to the public.
The family-friendly festival celebrates jazz music and community with performances by local, regional, national and international artists. It also features food vendors and arts and crafts.
What’s striking about the event is its diversity—the audience and cultural activities alone highlight the area’s rich heritage. Plus, it’s just a great way to support live music.
This year marks the first time since the Jazzfest started in 2002 that it’s been presented by Walker West Music Academy. Stephanie and Mychael Wright, the Jazzfest founders and former owners of Golden Thyme Coffee and Café, currently serve as consultants for the festival.
Last year, the headliner was legendary saxophonist Najee. This year’s headliner is vocalist Jamecia Bennett.
Other performers include L.A. Buckner and BiG HOMiE, Ashley Dubose, Capri Big Band, Walker West Music Academy All-Stars, and Selby Avenue Brass Band. Each year, I look forward to seeing the consistently good Walker West Academy All-Stars, a combination of Walker West Music Academy faculty and Jazz Ensemble Students.
“Walker West is such an integral part of the Selby neighborhood,” stated Jazzfest founder Mychael Wright. “As we have since our first Jazzfest in 2002, we feel it is important to give the future of jazz a welcoming place to perform.”
Bennett, a Minneapolis native, is a three-time Grammy Award winner. She has her own band, “J Movement,” and is the new featured lead vocalist of the hometown’s favorite group, the Sounds of Blackness.
Bennett has performed alongside several musical greats, including Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Ann Nesby, Usher, Patti Labelle, Mint Condition, Janet Jackson, and Prince.
She is the CEO of Minnesota Movement Ent., a company that offers styling, public relations, management consultation, vocal coaching, and other services.
Samara Joy live at the Ordway
Following the Selby Ave. JazzFest, jazz enthusiasts can catch Samara Joy performing at the Ordway in St. Paul on September 14 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to hear a preview of tracks from her upcoming album, set to be released on October 11.
“You Stepped Out of a Dream” is the recently released single from Joy’s upcoming Verve Records album, “Portrait,” which was just announced.
The Bronx-born Grammy Award winner won the Best New Artist Grammy in 2023. “Portrait” will be her third full studio album and follow-up to her 2022 album, “Linger Awhile.”
The singer released her self-titled debut album in 2021. She’s come a long way in a short time and has evolved into a fine vocalist and an impressive songwriter, bandleader and arranger.
The new album (eight songs) spotlights her co-producer, trumpeter and bandleader Brian Lynch, a Grammy Award winner. Expect to hear from her touring band (octet), which features trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, trumpeter Jason Charos, bassist Felix Moseholm, pianist Connor Rohrer, and drummer Evan Sherman.
The band has a cohesive chemistry that sounds modern and from jazz’s golden era. Joy has incredible voice control, intonation, and vocals that display a silky richness that’s truly captivating.
I particularly enjoy her rendition of “Guess Who I Saw Today.” She’s only 24 years old but is already poised to join the famous ranks of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Yes, Joy is that phenomenal.
In December, she’ll tour with her family for “Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday featuring The McLendon Family.” To check out those dates and learn more about Joy, visit www.samarajoy.com.
For more information about the Selby Ave. JazzFest visit www.selbyavejazzfest.com.