Clearwater Jazz Holiday Fest Returns For 40th Year

CLEARWATER, FL — Due to the impending rain and wind event and out of concern for the safety of attendees, Friday night's performances at Clearwater Jazz Holiday are canceled.

Those planning to attend on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20 should visit the website or visit social media sites for weather-related updates. Cancellations are not anticipated on Saturday or Sunday but there may be delays in opening.

Concerts canceled Friday night include Gloria West and The Gents from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; Marcia Ball from 5:45 to 7 p.m.; Robert Randolph & The Family Band from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

the 40th annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday music festival kicked off Thursday and runs through Sunday, Oct. 20 at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St. on the waterfront in downtown Clearwater.

More than 35,000 music lovers are expected for the four-day live music festival which, despite the name, isn't limited to jazz. The lineup includes country, soul, hip hop, blues, rock and other musical genres.

The festival is organized by the nonprofit Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, which supports educational outreach programs in the community.

In addition to live music all weekend, the festival will feature food and drink vendors and a fireworks display Saturday at 10:45 p.m.

Scheduled to perform Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday, Oct. 19

• CJH's Young LIons Jazz Master Sessions featuring James Suggs from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
• University of Miami's Frost Jazz Ensemble Featuring Dafnis Prieto from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
• 40th Anniversary Tribute to Jazz Vocalists featuring Karen Benjey, Erica DiCeglie, Valerie Gillespie, Fred Johnson, Theo Valentin, Belinda Womack and La Lucha from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
• Blood, Sweat & Tears from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
• Chicago from 9:15 to 10:45 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 20

• REH / CJH Youth Jazz Band with special guest Dafnis Prieto from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
• Ashley Smith & The Random Occurrence from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
• Parsonsfield from 4:45 to 6 p.m.
• Yonder Mountain String Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Alison Krauss from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

General admission and reserved seating tickets range from $20 to $180 for a four-day package.

VIP Experience tickets range from $175 to $200.