Rodney Block
The annual Hot Springs JazzFest returns over Labor Day Weekend, September 1-5. This year’s festival will present many of your favorite artists and introduce a few new favorites.
On Wednesday, September 1, performing at the Legendary Vapors nightclub, The Classical & Jazz Blow Out, sponsored by Dorothy Morris, will bring together a unique concert experience with the classical music expertise of the Silver String Quintet directed by John Leisenring and the jazz aficionados, Anything That Moves. As a special treat, mezzo-soprano Diane Kesling will join both the classical and jazz portions of the concert.
The Clyde Pound Quartet, which includes some of Hot Springs’ most accomplished jazz musicians, will perform Jazz Night at The Ohio Club. Seats are limited so you’ll want to arrive early. Fortunately, Hot Springs’ oldest bar (circa 1905) is home to the best burgers in town, so plan on dinner and a show at this event on Thursday night.
At Saturday’s free outdoor concert, you’ll find seven jazz groups groovin’ on two stages under the Broadway Street Sky-Bridge. This is the day to bring your lawn chair because you don’t want to miss any of the artists. Shirley Chauvin will present the acts and sit in with a few.
JazzFest favorites, Rodney Block Collective, Henderson State’s NuFusion, and the 106th Army National Guard Band will be joined by festival newcomers, Taylor Smith & the Roamin’ Jasmine, and The Tabitha Graves Collaboration.
Jazz Workshops on Sunday will be presented in the Garland County Library’s auditorium for Free! You don’t need to be a musician to appreciate the skill it takes to play a saxophone or trombone or drums. Each of these instruments will be explored, followed by a jam session with the presenters plus a few more.
Primed with your new jazz knowledge, festival-goers will move down the road to the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa’s Crystal Ballroom where the Stardust Big Band Tea Dance will finish up the JazzFest in style.
There is just as much fun watching the skilled dancers who attend as there is listening to this outstanding big band.
The Hot Springs JazzFest is scheduled Wednesday, September 1 thru Sunday, September 5, in various locations throughout downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. To purchase tickets or learn more about the programs, visit www.HSJazzSociety.org, email HSJazzSociety@gmail.com or call 501-617-3585.
29th Hot Springs JazzFest Schedule
Wed | Sept 1 | Classical & Jazz Blow Out
7pm | The Legendary Vapors | 315 Park Avenue – $35 & up
Thu | Sept 2 | Jazz Night at The Ohio Club
7pm | The Ohio Club | 336 Central Avenue – Free
Sat | Sept 4 | Jazz in the Streets
11am-6pm | Broadway St Sky Bridge – Free
Sun | Sept 5 | Jazz Workshops
12-2:30pm | Garland County Library’s Auditorium
1427 Malvern Ave – Free
Sun | Sept 5 | Stardust Big Band Tea Dance
3pm | Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa’s Crystal Ballroom 239 Central Ave – $10
