JazzFest 2011

Jazz Society of Pensacola – JazzFest

The 2011 Pensacola JazzFest was held on a beautiful Gulf Coast weekend in April, and had a great turnout of approximately 8,000 people each day. The Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) produced the event with able assistance from a variety of corporate sponsors, individual donors, as well as an army of volunteers. The 2-day festival, held in early spring each year, celebrates America’s unique musical art form-Jazz. JSOP works all year to present this festival as its annual gift to the community, and we sincerely thank our individual and corporate donors for their essential support.

Pensacola’s historic Seville Square, with its beautiful live oaks and historic surroundings, provided the perfect springtime setting for the Pensacola JazzFest.  The music was great, with an outstanding line-up of jazz artists.  Headliners included pianist Ted Howe, JB Scott’s Swingin’ All Stars, the Rick Trolsen Quintet, and bassist Steve Gilmore. The headliners performed one set each day. Rounding out the schedule was Jazz  Ensembles from the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, and Northwest Florida State College, local middle and  high school groups and local/regional jazz artists including vocalist Kathy Lyon Group, Holly Shelton and David Shelander, Jones and Company, the Joe Occhipinti Big Band, and The Guffman Trio with guests. Guitarist/music therapist Mike Potters led his annual popular “Harmonica and kazoo jazz jam just for kids” both days, each giving the kids an opportunity to discover the joy of creating music.

Returning for the third year was an arts & crafts exhibit and sales in nearby Fountain Park, which featured  55 exhibitors offering everything from jewelry, fine art, clothing, home accessories and much more.

In addition to the great music lineup, food, drinks and jazz merchandise were available – JazzFest posters, a variety of jazzy shirts and memorabilia, plus beer and wine and soft drinks. (All merchandise sales help support the festival and keep it free for our loyal fans). Also, many local area venders offered tasty food options for hungry jazz listeners.

To view a great selection of photos from the 2011 Pensacola JazzFest, click here, or go to “Gallery” from the main menu.