The First Coast is warming up for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which kicks off this Thursday, May 23, and wraps up on Sunday, May 26.

The all-star lineup of musicians includes Gladys Knight, Brian Culbertson, Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet, Monty Alexander, Ledisi and many, many others! A complete schedule of performances can be found at https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com/schedule/.

In addition to traditional stage performances, the event will feature several special events:

Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition –Five finalists representing the world’s best jazz pianists are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the festival’s Main Stage. The competition is held on Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at the Florida Theatre. Tickets are included with the festival VIP package. For tickets, click here.

The Omni Sacred Jazz Brunch –Enjoy a gourmet buffet prepared by the expert Omni Jacksonville Hotel chefs while you take in a unique blend of jazz and traditional gospel music from Grammy nominee (and Jax native!) Jamison Ross. Tickets can be purchased for either 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Bar service will be available. Get tickets here.

Jazz Jam Session – One of the festival’s most popular events is the improvisational Jazz Jam Session, which will be on Saturday, May 25, at 9 p.m. at the Breezy Jazz Club. This year’s featured performer is the The Kelly/Scott Quintet. This event is free and open to the public.

Jazz Clinic –A free educational clinic will be held with national jazz keyboardist Marcus Johnson as well as other artists. The event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at The Ritz Theatre and Museum.

Second Line Jazz Parade –A talented lineup of musicians will march through downtown Jacksonville playing jazz classics. The parade will be led by members of the New Orleans jazz brass band Brass-A-Holics as well as local high school musicians. The procession begins in front of the courthouse, heading east down Adams Street, left up Laura Street and ending at Hemming Park. Bring a chair and enjoy the show on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 4 p.m.

VIP passes include single-day and 3-day passes and include special seating, exclusive access and reserved parking. Don’t wait to get your VIP tickets! They are selling out very quickly.

For more information, including a full lineup, schedule, map and other information, visit https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com/, or contact organizers at events@coj.net or (904) 630-3690.