The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announced today that the 43rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival will not take place this year. The decision to cancel one of the country’s longest-running, free jazz festivals was based on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the City of Atlanta, and the CDC and Georgia State guidelines limiting gatherings to 10 or less individuals.
“While there will not be a festival this year, we were happy to be able to share 31 days of unique jazz performances by Atlanta artists throughout May, and will work to reschedule the Atlanta Jazz Festival for a future date that will ensure festival goers’ wellbeing and safety,” said Camille Russell Love, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
Organizers quickly pivoted to create and produce the nightly Atlanta Jazz Festival Sessions to celebrate the 31 Days of Jazz for the month of May. The nightly sessions, which have been airing on the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s Facebook page at 9 p.m., have garnered thousands of views. The final night of the series will conclude with an encore performance from the duo Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks, Sr. on Sunday, May 31.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival would like to thank the Atlanta Music Project, WJZA and PNC Bank for their support. Check the AJF website at www.atlantafestivals.com for information about the 2021 event.