Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is back for it's 42nd year. This year's festival, produced by the Flynn and presented by Vermont Tire And Service Inc. with Nokian Tyres, takes place across Downtown Burlington The Flynn is also thrilled to announce that Anthony Tidd, an international jazz artist, multi-instrumentalist and Guggenheim Fellow, will serve as the curator for the 2025 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Tidd will present an exclusive World Premiere of Origins: Sounds and Stories of the African Diaspora, a collaborative performance showcasing seven jazz musicians and seven special guests.

Schedule of Events:

Flynn Main Stage

7:30pm - Opening night show
Origins
Sounds And Stories of the African Diaspora

Free

With performances by Fred Wesley, Camille Thurman, Cedric Burnside, Sa-Roc, Duke Amayo, Melvis Santa, Julian and Bobby Hackney Sr., Orrin Evans, Damion Reid, Clay Sears, Greg Osby, Jonathan Finlayson, and Kalia Vandever.

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival curator Anthony Tidd was honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work exploring the creative music of the African Diaspora. On the festival's opening night, Anthony will present a unique, one of a kind show, that aligns with his work and curatorial vision. This extraordinary show, "Origins," will offer a powerful lens for the audience to explore the historical and contemporary links between the diverse cultures of the African diaspora. Over the centuries, these cultures have been at the forefront of musical innovation, giving birth to a wide array of genres, including Ragtime, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Folk, Country, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, Funk, Disco, Hip-hop, House, Dance, Electronica, Salsa, Samba, Bossa Nova, Calypso, Soca, Zouk, Reggae, Reggaeton, Afrobeat, and many more.

For one night only, and exclusively at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Anthony will present an unforgettable evening of exciting music, breath taking visuals, and insightful storytelling, spanning multiple genres and generations. Backed by a phenomenal seven-piece band musically directed by Anthony, and seven special guests, this amazing cast will bring the Flynn Main Stage to life with song, narration and imagery, set to explore the many threads which comprise the vast universe of jazz.

This special, not to be missed, event will feature performances by Fred Wesley, Camille Thurman, Cedric Burnside, Sa-Roc, Duke Amayo, Melvis Santa, Julian and Bobby Hackney Sr., Orrin Evans, Damion Reid, Clay Sears, Greg Osby, Jonathan Finlayson, and Kalia Vandever.

Location: Flynn Main Stage 153 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

Big Joe's

8:30 PM - Jon McBride's Big Easy with special guest Ryan Montbleau
At Big Joe's

Free

Jon McBride's Big Easy traverses the roots of funk music–early jazz, blues, gospel, and Caribbean styles–playing songs that have entertained audiences for generations. Their skillful musicianship is rooted in jazz and blues traditions but draws on varied experience and eclectic taste, yielding a unique and modern approach to these storied melodies. Captivating group interaction and melodic improvisation leave listeners and dancers of all ages hungry for more. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Location: Vermont Comedy Club 101 Main St Burlington, VT 05401

10:00 PM - Grippo Sklar Quartet feat. JD Haenni and Gabe Jarrett
At Big Joe's

Location: Vermont Comedy Club 101 Main St Burlington, VT 05401

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