As Cleveland prepares to say goodbye to a long winter, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland will kick off spring with its 31st year as one of the country’s longest running music festivals and a premier educational jazz festival.  We’re proud to continue our tradition of bringing jazz to the whole city and much of Cuyahoga County and beyond at venues throughout the area.

For two weeks, April 15-25, JazzFest will present a stellar line-up of artists, packed with the variety that fans have come to love.  From a red carpet birthday salute to the music of Cleveland native Henry Mancini and the talent of iconic pianist Ramsey Lewis, to fan favorite The Roots and an evening with the Smooth Jazz All-Stars, this year’s fest offers something for everyone.

The 2010 Tri-C JazzFest Distinguished Artist-In-Residence Charlie Haden will serve double duty, appearing with his Quartet West and closing the fest with TCJF SoundWorks, our resident ensemble. 

Along with these giants of jazz, music lovers can also see the country’s finest collegiate level jazz ensembles perform with guest artists at the DownBeat Invitational, an annual part of JazzFest, along with clinics and workshops for area high school performers.

In May, the innovative and globally acclaimed Pilobolus Dance Theater will thrill audiences with their amazing blend of acrobatics, athleticism, flexibility and theatrical illusion.  

For the 2009-10 season finale, the highly popular series The Song Is You, featuring classics of the American songbook, will take a musical journey celebrating the seasons of life.

We hope you are enjoying this inaugural season of the new Division of Creative Arts and we look forward to continuing a tradition of presenting diverse and engaging artists to stages throughout Cleveland.

Brian Bethune, Ph.D.
Dean of Creative Arts
Cuyahoga Community College

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