The 2009 Pensacola JazzFest was held on a beautiful Gulf Coast weekend in April, and had a great turnout of approximately 8,000 people each day. The Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) produced the event with able assistance from a variety of corporate sponsors and community organizations, as well as an army of volunteers. The 2-day festival, held in early spring each year, celebrates America's unique musical art form-Jazz. JSOP works all year to present this festival as its annual gift to the community, and we sincerely thank our individual and corporate donors as well as the Arts Council of Northwest Florida and the Florida Arts Council for their essential support. 

Pensacola's historic Seville Square, with its beautiful live oaks and historic surroundings, provided the perfect springtime setting for the Pensacola JazzFest.  The music was great, with an outstanding line-up of jazz artists.  Headliners included second generation Afro-Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdez, New Orleans pianist/bandleader John Royen Sextet, an award-winning a cappella vocal group Groove Society from Denver, Colorado, and trumpeter/vocalist Joe Gransden Quartet from Atlanta.   The headliners performed one set each day. Rounding out the schedule was Jazz  Ensembles from UWF, PJC and Northwest Florida State College, local middle and  high school groups and local/regional jazz artists including vocalist Holly Shelton, pianist Bobby Van Deusen, The Guffman Trio, and vocalist Kitt Lough. Guitarist/music therapist Mike Potters led his annual popular "Harmonica and kazoo jazz jam just for kids" at two p.m. each giving the kids an opportunity to discover the joy of creating music. 

New this year was an arts & crafts exhibit and sales in nearby Fountain Park, which featured over 30 exhibitors offering everything from jewelry, fine art, clothing, home accessories and much more. 

In addition to the great music lineup, food, drinks and jazz merchandise were available - JazzFest posters, a variety of jazzy shirts and memorabilia, plus beer and wine and soft drinks. (All merchandise sales help support the festival and keep it free for our loyal fans). Also, many local area venders offered tasty food options for hungry jazz listeners.  

To view a great selection of photos from the 2009 Pensacola JazzFest, click here, or go to “Gallery” from the main menu. 

Planning is underway for the 2010 Pensacola JazzFest, and we’ll keep our website updated with information about the artist line-up and schedule as it becomes available.  Mark your calendars for April 10-11, 2010, and we look forward to seeing you at the 27th Annual Pensacola JazzFest!

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