Jazz Up your weekend at the GRandJazz Fest

Are you looking to jazz up your weekend? Then you definitely need to check out the upcoming Jazz Fest in Grand Rapids, MI. GRand Jazz Fest is a one of a kind event that brings people together through the power of music.

This year marks 7 years annually for the festival, which takes place on August 18th and 19th. Being that it is a community event for all ages, the location is Rosa Parks Circle right downtown GR. Did we mention that it is FREE? Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own seating whether that be a lawn chair or blanket, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic), and anyone of any age who enjoys music.

GRandJazz Festival – Photo by Adrian Sotelo ©

The acts of this festival are diverse because they range from classic jazz to latin inspired jazz, to local talent. Euge Groove, the headliner of GRand Jazz Fest, whose name comes from the saxophonist of the band, Steve Grove, is known both nationally and internationally. Their 2000 debut album really put this band on the map, however, Grove has performed will well known names before and after that album came out.

The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Edye Evans Hyde will also be playing and Hyde has not only played/sang locally, but all over the world! This band has been around for almost 4 decades and they not only play recognized jazz songs, they also play originals.

Photo by Adrian Sotelo ©

A local Michigan student jazz band will be performing and they are called “Lushh”, an electronic hip-hop jazz ensemble. The award winning band is made up of students who are in the Jazz Studies Program at Western Michigan University and bring a new vibe to the jazz scene.

Friday’s schedule looks like this:  Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans-Hyde at 12:30 p.m., John Gist at 2 p.m., Kevin Jones and Tenth World at 3:30 p.m., Oli Silk at 5 p.m., Lin Rountree at 6:30 p.m., HEADLINER: Eugene Groove at 8 p.m. .

With an all day packed schedule on Friday, get ready to see who is playing and when on Saturday: Student Jazz Band: Lushh at 1 p.m., Grupo Ayé at 2:30 p.m., Marcus Anderson at 4 p.m., and Nelson Rangell and Steve Oliver at 5:30 p.m. .

The purpose of the GRand Jazz Fest in Grand Rapids is to promote jazz music, by helping others learn about this style of music, giving listeners of all ages good music to listen to, and to promote local businesses. This festival is donation and sponsorship based. For more information on the event and how to get involved, please visit https://grandjazzfest.org .

The GRand Jazz Fest is a one of a kind to the area so don’t miss it! Get Jazzy!