Jazzin' on Jefferson This Weekend

Fans of jazz can enjoy a variety of free outdoor concerts at the ninth annual Jazzin’ on Jefferson festival. The event — located between on Jefferson Ave. between Marlborough and Ashland — is hosted by the Jefferson East Business Association.

Eve Doster, the public relations manager of the festival, said an urban youth orchestra, a gospel trio, local acts, seasoned pros and many others will be performing this year.

“Of course there is wonderful music,” Doster said. “We’ve got all kinds of jazz.”

According to its website, the festival runs until 9:30 p.m. Saturday. In addition to 30 acts gracing its stages, Doster said Jazzin’ on Jefferson will play host to local organic food vendors and, on Saturday, an activities area for children with a circus and arts and crafts. 

After 9:30 on Saturday, the event will move indoors to vacant storefronts in the style of pop-up Jazz clubs. Wristbands will be sold for this part of the night.

Parking at the event will cost $5.

In addition to the festival, Doster said there will be a bus tour of the area for $2. 

“We’ve got 160 acres worth of parks on the water — many people don’t know this — we have beautiful historic homes, we have this cool canal system,” Doster said.

She added that some festival-goers will even kayak in for the event

“The whole point is to show off this area — and it works,” Doster said.