Jazz in the Park returns for 9th year with 10 free shows

The Jazz in the Park series – presented by Magic City Smooth Jazz – is back for its ninth season, presenting nationally known artists at free concerts in Birmingham and other Alabama cities through October 14.

Jazz in the Park began in April but has 23 concerts left, including 10 dates in Birmingham at such venues as Avondale Park and Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens.

There are also six concerts remaining in neighboring communities, including Bessemer and Mountain Brook.

On May 26, the series will be in Linn Park with Birmingham Heritage Band and The Rhythms Band performing from 6-9 p.m.

On May 27, Jazz in the Park goes to Huffman High School for a concert by The Green Light Band and Ragan Whiteside from 6-9 p.m.

Bernard Lockhart, founder and executive director of Magic City Smooth Jazz, said he enjoys presenting jazz because it’s “an art form or genre of music that isn’t represented on a regular basis throughout the state of Alabama.” 

Jazz is “family-friendly” and draws an “ethnically diverse audience” of all ages, he said.

The series has grown from five concerts in 2010 to 26 in 2018, Lockhart said.

For a complete schedule, go to magiccitysmoothjazz.com.