Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009 - Great Changes

[Steve]

This year's Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be like none before it. Not only will it be Memorial Day weekend, it's gone from the park to the streets. And it's going back to being free.

The performers won't be announced until next week at the earliest, but the city's Office of Special Events did provide more details.

For the first time since it moved from Mayport to Jacksonville in 1982, the festival will not be held in Metropolitan Park. Instead, it'll be more like a street fair in the heart of downtown, from Hemming Plaza down Laura Street to The Jacksonville Landing.


http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-03-12/story/changes_in_store_for_2009_jazz_fest

[Steve]

Awesome!  I believe this is actually something that we suggessted here a few months back.  I don't know if they took our idea, but this is outfreakingstanding.

[Jason]

You got that right Steve.

Organize 4 or more quarterly events of this scale a year and downtown will completely transform, IMO.

[CrysG]

I'm excited about this. It's one of the things I'd like to try but haven't locally.

Year before last I was going to met some friends there and I was on the way when they called me and told me not to waste my time or money. After being there for 10 minutes they left.

[Bewler]

Keep pouring rain you nor’easter bastid, you won't deter me from going to the fest on Sat.

Anyone else with me?

[BridgeTroll]

I will be there wearing rubbers and holding an umbrella...

[urbanlibertarian]

^^^Safe jazz.

[Bewler]

And don't forget your booties.

[02roadking]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI

Special Announcement
Venue Changes for Friday Night Performances Due to Inclement Weather

Due to inclement weather, for Friday night only, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival performances that were scheduled to take place on two of the outdoor stages will be moved to the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, 100 W. Water St.   

Performances scheduled for the “Swingin’ Stage” (corner of Forsyth and Laura Streets) will be moved to the Moran Theater. 

Performances scheduled for the “Groovin’ Stage” (Hemming Plaza) will be moved to the Terry Theater.

All other elements of the festival will still take place outdoors as planned.  The performances scheduled for the “Breezin’ Stage” (the stage in The Jacksonville Landing courtyard) will also take place outdoors as planned.

Performances scheduled for Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, will be held outdoors as scheduled. 


http://www.coj.net/Departments/Recreation+and+Community+Services/Special+Events/Jazz+Festival/Default.htm

[Coolyfett]

How bad is it raining down there? Sucks the timing of this!

[CrysG]

I just got back. It drizzled off and on for about 10 minutes. Nothing horrible.

Not a big turn out. But well worth it. Laura St. is closed with vendor's all down it from Hemming to the Landing.

[tufsu1]

oh so wrong...the Landing courtyard is packed...and the Old Snyder Church look amazing!

got to admit...the City set this up very well...now if only the weather cooperates

[BridgeTroll]

I hope the weather cooperates... I will be down there rain or shine this afternoon through the evening.  I will be under the large blue and white umbrella... 

[brainstormer]

It was so great to see the inside of the old church.  I've wanted to get inside for the past two years.  While the crowds were light on Laura and in Hemming, tufsu is right.  The church and Landing were both packed.  I love the huge stage on Forsyth and hope the rain stays away for the rest of the weekend.  The quality of art and vendors is very tasteful and the setup is fantastic.  The city did a great job with the layout.  I just pray the rain goes away and people come out to support our city. 

[BridgeTroll]

Of course it is coming down in buckets, sheets, with a few cats and dogs mixed in...