The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the eponymous late saxophonist returns for its 32nd year for a three-day celebration of free live jazz performances in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Every year, premiere jazz musicians who reflect Parker’s musical vision assemble to honor the highly influential and world-renowned artist. This year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists.  Before the festival proper, partner events across the city will celebrate jazz with film screenings, acoustic performances, after parties and much more.

Schedule:

3:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Night 3 at Tompkins Square Park
Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, Gary Bartz: Ntu Troop, The Jazz Gallery All-Stars Feat. Miguel Zenon, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville, Melissa Aldana, Dabin Ryu, Ryoma Takenaga, Charles Altura, Lucia, DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival celebrates the spirit of the late great saxophonist with shows uptown and downtown that highlight the past, present, and future of jazz music in New York City. The third show features the dynamic duo of Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap; GRAMMY and Tony Award-winning vocalist Bridgewater puts her unique spin on standards and jazz classics, keeping traditions while fearlessly exploring new expression with the leading jazz pianist Bill Charlap. Gary Bartz’s groundbreaking Ntu Troop manages to seamlessly blend jazz, funk, and soul with an adventurous spirit. The Jazz Gallery was founded in 1995 by Roy Hargrove, Dale Fitzgerald, and Lezlie Harrison, and has been a key institution in the NYC’s jazz and creative music scene ever since; this year’s lineup of The Jazz Gallery All-Stars features Miguel Zenon, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville, Melissa Aldana, Dabin Ryu, Ryoma Takenaga, and Charles Altura. Lucía was the first ever Mexican-American artist to enter the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition (and win), leading to her breakout into the jazz scene with her soulful sound. Her debut album is releasing this year. Multi-talented DJ and host of WBGO’s podcast Milestones DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener is on the ones and twos.

All Ages
Free

8:00 p.m: Trill Mega Jam and Charlie Parker Jazz Festival After-Party at Nublu
The Make Jazz Trill Again (MJTA) Trill Mega Jam is a high-energy, improvisation-centered jam session founded by Melanie Charles featuring Zacchae’us Paul on keys, Jerome Jennings on drums, YunieMo on sax, DJ OOOChild on the ones and twos, and special guests. This is a unique opportunity where musicians of all backgrounds, skill levels and instruments gather to improvise in unconventional spaces for an experience of pure celebration and connection. MJTA is truly a movement for the people, by the people. All are welcome.

All Ages
Free