Wednesday, July 30, 2014

24th Houston International Jazz Festival Non-stop music for 4 days

The 24th annual Houston International Jazz Festival promises four venues of non-stop music over four days. The festival will be held from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday. Aug. 3, in four different venues.
The festival has been scaled back this year in preparation for its 25th anniversary next year. The changes include: an additional concert day and local talent will also be highlighted. This year will feature a musical theme, with each day having its own name.

The festival will have a “Soundcheck” on Thursday, July 31, at Phil & Derek’s in downtown Houston. The “Soundcheck” will feature smooth jazz artists Kyle Turner, Joe Carmouche and Courtney Sanchez.

The official kickoff event, “the Downbeat,” will happen on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Museum District Bistro & Lounge, featuring the Bayou City Brass Band and more artists to be announced. Saturday, Aug. 2, will feature Althea Rene, Michael Ward, Kyle Turner and Liz Vaughn at the Indigo as the “Backbeat” main concert. All concert attendees must be 18 years old or older.

The festival is an annual fundraiser for the Houston-based nonprofit Jazz Education Inc, which has made its name in jazz education for over 40 years. Jazz Education Inc was founded by jazz artist Bubba Thomas, who saw a need in the community for music education for youths.

Jazz Education Inc provides four programs: The Jazz & Poetry Series, Summer Jazz Workshop, August Jazz Month Houston and the Houston International Jazz Festival. The Summer Jazz Workshop is a five-week intensive youth-oriented program focusing on the fundamentals of music and associated business aspects.

Students from their 2014 workshop will perform at Mayor Annise Parker’s Scholarship Jazz Brunch Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Wortham Theatre, ending the weekend as the “Masterpiece.” Mayor Parker will also be presenting the 2014 Jazz Education Inc scholarship recipients at the brunch.

For more information on tickets, performance times and more, visit www.houstoninternationaljazzfestival.com.