Charlie Parker Jazz Festival kicks off on Saturday August 23rd

City Parks Foundation is proud to announce the 22nd edition of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Founded in memorial of beloved jazz musician Charlie Parker, this festival annually attracts thousands of fans to two historic parks in Manhattan. The festival will kick off in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, blocks from the famous jazz clubs where Parker graced the stage, and move to Tompkins Square Park in the East Village on Sunday, just across the street from the late Parker’s apartment.


In the words of Miles Davis, “You can tell the history of jazz in four words: Louis Armstrong. Charlie Parker.” Almost sixty years after his passing, Parker is celebrated and credited for his contribution to modern music through rhythmically and melodically complex solos and his creation of the bebop sound. The acts in this year’s festival will offer a wide range of performances reflective of Parker’s music and of the ever-changing genre of jazz. From Wallace Roney to Brianna Thomas, this year’s lineup will feature both jazz veterans and up-and-coming stars alike.

Lionel Loueke

Space is limited so please rsvp to rsvp@cityparksfoundation.org to reserve a seat. 
The complete Charlie Parker Jazz Festival schedule can be seen at www.SummerStage.org

Artists scheduled to perform include Lionel Loueke,  Melissa Aldana,  Kris Bowers,  Kenny Barron,  Cindy Blackman Santana, Craig Handy & 2nd Line Smith and Brianna Thomas to name a few.

The 2014 festival also features two panel discussions, entitled “The Marriage of Latin Music & Jazz,” led by Joe Conzo Sr., Latin music historian & publicist of the late Tito Puente. The panels will explore the historical background and cultural significance of these two movements and pay specific homage to Parker’s influence.

In celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, join Joe Conzo Sr. for a discussion and music of Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Machito, and other great artists from the early 1930’s to the present who brought together Latin Music and Jazz. 
Joe Conzo Sr. is a Latin music historian, Tito Puente’s publicist and confidant, and author of Mambo Diablo, My Journey with Tito Puente. Conzo will play rare live recordings of Charlie Parker with the Machito Orchestra from his private collection.  A question and answer session will be entertained.