Each year, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival provides a rich and entertaining cultural opportunity for Amelia Island by sharing the music, excitement, and vitality of great jazz with thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. The festival presents world-class jazz in a variety styles, including big band, Dixieland, swing, bebop, Latin, and contemporary.
A week-long festival held in October each year, Amelia Island Jazz Festival features music performed by some of the best-known jazz musicians around, as well as up-and-coming young talent. Festival performances are staged in several venues around Amelia Island, offering jazz-centric settings for the artists. The goal of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is to help preserve the American art form—jazz—by increasing the exposure and awareness of this exciting music genre to the public. This year’s festival runs from September 29 to October 6.
JAZZ PARTY AT THE REC ON SEPTEMBER 29 AND JAZZ & WINE SHOWS AT THE DECANTERY ON SEPTEMBER 30
The festival kicks off with a free community concert, “Jazz Party at the Rec,” on Sunday, September 29 at noon. The concert features the 21-piece UNF Jazz Ensemble II, directed by Dennis Marks, with special guest artists. Their music comes from all idioms of big band jazz, including swing, bop, funk, and fusion. This ensemble consists of high- level jazz student musicians, realizing a wide variety of sound colors and textures. Beyond Horizons Food Truck will be on hand with a specially curated Jazz Fest lunch and beverages will be available for sale. The Atlantic Recreation Center is located at 2500 Atlantic Avenue.
Are you a sponsor of the AIJF? If you become a Bronze Saxophone Sponsor or above, then you will receive a special invitation to an exceptional jazz evening hosted by Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele, showcasing multi-instrumentalist Dr. Bill Prince on Monday, September 30 at 7 p.m. “This is an exclusive event featuring special guest artists, along with hors d’oeuvres and beverages,” says DeMerle. “Our sponsors make the magic of the AIJF possible, and we want to show our appreciation.” This year’s Sponsor Party will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites at 2700 Atlantic Avenue.
On Tuesday, October 1, get ready to sip and swing at a unique Jazz and Wine show. Indulge in a unique selection of exquisite wines expertly paired with sensational jazz tunes, each enhancing the other’s flavor. Limited space is available, so get your tickets early—these shows usually sell out fast!
“Join us for the Jazztet,” says DeMerle. “Featured artists include Doug Matthews, piano; Paul Tafoya, trumpet; Ajax McDonell, saxophone; Bonnie Eisele, vocals; and myself on drums and vocals. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of fine wine and smooth jazz.” Jazz and Wine Tastings will be held at The Decantery at 117 Centre Street, featuring two shows: one from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and another from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT ON OCTOBER 2 AND LATIN JAZZ CONCERT & DANCE ON OCTOBER 3
On Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m., Jump, Jive & Wail/Swing Night will have you dancing your way into a swingin’ good time at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites by Marriott. Join the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band, featuring the soulful vocals of Bonnie Eisele, and dance the night away to the Big Band sounds. Enjoy the powerful sound of Jim Malmgren‘s trumpet, Clarence Hines’s trombone, the smokin’ sax section of Don Zentz and Ajax McDonell, and the driving piano of Doug Matthews. Ricky Ravelo lays down the bass line, while Les DeMerle himself keeps the beat on drums and adds his own vocal stylings.
On Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m., unleash your inner mambo at the AIJF’s sizzling Latin Jazz Concert and Dance. Tony Cruz and the Latin Jazz Legends will set the stage on fire with irresistible rhythms that will have you moving all night long!
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love the energy of Latin music, this is a night you won’t want to miss. The concert and dance will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites, 2700 Atlantic Avenue.
HEADLINERS GRACE KELLY ON OCTOBER 4 AND MARCIA BALL ON OCTOBER 5
On Friday, October 4, headliner Grace Kelly and her band take the stage at 7 p.m. Concert-goers will witness the rise of a true jazz superstar at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival! Singer, saxophonist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader all before her mid-twenties, Grace Kelly is a force of nature.
Kelly has rocked the jazz world with sold-out concerts, 15 acclaimed albums, and a resume that includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as a member of the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” – all before reaching her mid-twenties. In 2022, she became the youngest member of Berklee College of Music’s Board of Trustees. The concert will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites. The Les DeMerle Jazz Quintet will open the show.
Also, on Friday night after the headlining show at 10 p.m., every ticket holder is invited to the Late Nite Jam, Bebop, Blues, and Beyond, held at Mocama Beer Company at 629 S. 8th Street. 2024 AIJF Scholarship winner Ayanna Nelson, bassist and vocalist, will host the event with her band. Special guest artists gather to jam until midnight.
On Saturday, October 5 at 7 p.m., headliner Marcia Ball brings her infectious Texas blues and soulful vocals to the Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites. Ball is a phenomenal pianist, singer, and songwriter who blends potent blues and sweet zydeco, along with soulful, fast and furious Texas boogie.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this Gulf Coast music legend live! This evening also features the Les DeMerle Hittin’ the Blues Notes Band, and ticket holders have access to the Late Nite Jam with the Ayanna Nelson Band at Mocama Beer Company after the concert.
DIXIE TO SWING JAZZ BRUNCH ON OCTOBER 6 AT COURTYARD AMELIA ISLAND/SPRINGHILL SUITES
And to wrap up the weeklong festival, come out for the Dixie to Swing Jazz Brunch on Sunday, October 6 at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites. Indulge in a delectable Jazz Festival Menu while grooving to the sounds of The Spare Rib Six. This all-star ensemble features trumpet master Longineu Parsons, the soulful clarinet of Dr. Bill Prince, the smooth trombone of Cameron Strine, the legendary piano stylings of Mike Levine, the ever-grooving Dennis Marks on bass, and the dynamic Les DeMerle on drums and vocals. Adding her vocal magic is the sensational Bonnie Eisele. There will be two seatings: one at 10:30 a.m., and the second at 1 p.m.
The Amelia Island Jazz Festival would not be possible without the help of volunteers from the community. The festival is always seeking volunteers, along with corporate and individual sponsors, so it can continue to provide world-class jazz to Amelia Island and north Florida.
“Jazz greats endorse AIJF,” says DeMerle. “Jazz luminaries like Wynton Marsalis endorse AIJF, as well as our former headliners The Manhattan Transfer, David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Buckwheat Zydeco, David Benoit, Mindi Abair, Randy Brecker, Kevin Mahogany, Houston Person, Delfeayo Marsalis, and many more. This level of talent is what makes the Amelia Island Jazz Festival what it is today.”
Tickets and information about festival events and artists are all available online at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com, along with a special Jazz Pass offering for all the concerts at a special rate.