Salem Willows To Host 19th Salem Jazz & Soul Festival

SALEM, MA — Salem Willows will again be the setting for the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, which returns for its 19th year on Aug. 15, with a full day of free live music by the sea.

The volunteer-run event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include performances on the Main Stage, music education sessions, artisan vendors and food.

The festival lineup begins at 10:45 a.m., when Jesse Ciarmataro opens with "America the Beautiful."

The Main Stage schedule then continues with the Salem High School Jazz Band at 11 a.m., Wood & Bone at 12:30 p.m., Lydia Harrell at 2 p.m., The Nth Power at 3:30 p.m. and 2024 GRAMMY nominee Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers at 5:30 p.m.

DJ Skotvoid is scheduled to spin between sets throughout the day.

An Education Tent will also run free programs for all ages.

The posted schedule lists Lydia Harrell leading a session on the magic of improvisation at noon, Nate Edgar presenting the world of rhythm at 1:30 p.m., and Dwayne Dopsie leading a program on zydeco music and culture at 3 p.m. A 5 p.m. session will feature percussion and flute with Shira Moss, Steve Tapper and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

The festival also plans an all-day open drum jam. No experience is needed, and families are invited to bring children.

Organizers also say visitors can expect more than 30 artisan vendors and seaside food during the day.

The festival has been free and volunteer-run since 2007, with partners including Volvo Danvers and The Cabot Theater.