The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of summer, music and community in Vermont. The festival began June 3 and wraps up on Sunday, so if you haven't made plans for the coming days yet, we've got you covered with a few suggestions for performances to check out.
Reuben Jackson, host of VPR’s Friday Night Jazz, joined Vermont Edition on Thursday to share some highlights of the festival he's excited about that are still to come in this final home stretch.
The festival is in its 33rd year and there are a ton of great acts and events for music lovers of all stripes. "I hate that cliché, but there is something for everyone," says Jackson.
Madaila is a Vermont-based band he described as “versatile and fun and funky.” The group will be performing as part of the WPTZ 5 Block Party at the Top Block Stage on Friday from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Another act Jackson is excited about is vocalist Diane Schuur, who is set to perform with The Count Basie Orchestra. That performance is happening on Sunday from 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m at the Flynn MainStage.
Before the weekend, you can catch Béla Fleck and the Flecktones from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Waterfront Tent.
“Béla Fleck and the Flecktones have reunited for a brief tour, and fortunately for us, they’ve come our way,” Jackson says. “I consider them genre benders, in the best way possible.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTQLoMeclgQ&app=desktop
Performing along with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones at the Waterfront Tent on Thursday is the local act Soule Monde. Jackson describes the duo as being part of "that sea of possibilities ... that falls under the jazz umbrella."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk9AQS-vi48&app=desktop
And of course, don't forget the school bands. “I love the earnestness. There are some fabulous jazz ensembles in the state of Vermont,” Jackson says. “I also love just seeing young artists coming into themselves.” Performances by a variety of schools will be happening on Friday from noon to 5:15 p.m. at the Church Street Marketplace.
Jackson not only takes part as an attendee, but has also worked some events at the festival, introducing acts over the years. "It's a great indicator of where the music has been, where it's going," Jackson says regarding his love of the the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. "You can just sit there and chase the music, or let the music chase you."
You can find more information about these upcoming acts, as well as a complete list of performances at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival website.
