Jazz in the Park returns with gigs across town

The Jazz in the Park series — presented by Magic City Smooth Jazz — is back for its eighth year, presenting 30 free concerts by nationally known artists in Birmingham and other Alabama cities through September.

The series began April 9, but the first Birmingham concert is scheduled for May 28 at Huffman High School at 950 Springville Road. 

Headlining will be saxophonist Elan Trotman, a Barbados native who blends jazz with Caribbean rhythms and has played with such artists as Marcus Miller, Jeff Lorber and Earl Klugh. 

Clutch, a six-member Birmingham group, plays jazz, Motown, gospel, R&B and pop.

The series continues June 4 at Avondale Park, with headliners Chelsey Green and the Green Project and opening act The Greenlight Band. 

Green, a Houston native, plays violin and viola. She and her ensemble, The Green Project, defy stereotypes by blending classical technique into genres such as soul, funk, jazz and hip-hop. 

The Greenlight Band is a five-man Birmingham instrumental cover band with some original tunes. 

On June 11, vocalist Selina Albright and saxophonist and flute player Jackiem Joyner will appear at Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, 331 Cotton Ave. SW. 

Albright is a soulful singer-songwriter with such diverse influences as Dinah Washington, Beyoncé and Tina Turner.

Joyner, also known as Lil Man Soul, has worked in jazz, gospel and world music.

On June 25, bassist Julian Vaughn and Rhythms Band will appear at East Lake Park at First Avenue North and 84th Street. A lead bass player, Vaughn blends smooth jazz and funk and has played at large jazz festivals and locales such as Dubai, Italy and Germany. Rhythms Band is a five-man cover band that plays pop, jazz and funk.

Other Birmingham performances include:

► July 2: Kenya and Soul Collaboration, Ensley Park, 2800 Avenue K. 

► July 4: Daniel D and Jazmin Ghent, Kelly Ingram Park, Fifth Avenue North at 16th Street. 

► July 16: Kenneth Williams and C. LaFaye, Wiggins Park, 3301 Jefferson Ave. SW. 

► July 23: JJ Sansaverino and Oli Silk, W. C. Patton Park, 3969 14th Ave. N. 

► July 30: Eric Darius and Birmingham Heritage Band, McAlpine Park, 1115 Ave. F. 

► Aug. 6: James “PJ” Spraggins and Sherry Reeves, Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. N.  

► Aug. 13: Josh Vietti and First Class Jazz, Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, 331 Cotton Ave. SW. 

For details on the series, call 616-1735 or go to magiccitysmoothjazz.com.