Our Mission
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival produces free concerts for the public and raises money to support music education programs.

Building on Salem’s Music History
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is recreating and renewing the vibrant jazz scene that began at the Salem Willows in the 1920s, when Duke Ellington and other musicians from the Big Band era played at the seaside park in Massachusetts.  The festival will build on this rich jazz history — adding soul, blues and funk to the mix — by offering a series of annual free concerts to the public , concluding with a festival each year at the Salem Willows.  The festival will spotlight the wealth of talented musicians on Boston’s North Shore, and has already attracted thousands of music fans and media coverage during its first few years of operation.

Supporting Music Education Programs
In addition to allowing us to produce free music events for the public, proceeds from the festival benefit music education programs on the North Shore of Massachusetts.  During our inaugural festival season in 2007, we donated $2,500 to music education programs at Salem High School. In 2008, we more than doubled that amount, donating $6,000 to the Salem Public Schools and the Plummer Home for Boys.  We are currently incorporated as a Massachusetts nonprofit and expect to complete the filing process for Federal 501(c)  (3) status in 2009.

2008 Highlights

More than 5,000 people enjoyed Festival events

Dozens of musicians performed at free concerts throughout Salem

Nearly 100 volunteers supported festival events

8 other non-profits joined us to share information about their programs

30 sponsors  and countless others donated goods and services to make the festival possible

20 vendors sold arts and crafts at the Salem Willows

In 2008, $6,000 was raised for public music education programs, more than twice our contribution in 2007

Salem’s Park and Recreation Commission selected the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival to receive an award for our contribution to the  community in 2008

Support the Festival
Financial contributions allow us to provide concerts to the public free of charge and support music education programs on the North Shore of Massachusetts.  Our supporters include corporations, grants and individuals.  In addition to financial sponsorship, donations of goods or services are also helpful (food/beverages, equipment, etc.).  Our entire organization is run by volunteers, another excellent way to support the festival.  For more information about supporting the festival's website at  www.salemjazzsoul.org/sponsor.html.

2009 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SPRING GALA FUNDRAISER @ Peabody Essex Museum
April 18, 2009, 8:00 p.m.
Our third Annual Spring Gala is our most exciting Spring Gala yet, featuring James
Montgomery, Barrence Whitfield, Toni Lynn Washington, and the Boston Horns Big Band!


BERKLEE SUMMER SERIES @ Derby Square
Saturdays, 5-7 p.m.  
May 9, Cole Degenova and the Peoples Republic (Soul-Funk)
June 13, Carlos Averhoff, Jr. (Latin Jazz)
July 11, Roy Guzman (Modern Jazz)
Aug 8, Dopapod (Funk/R&B Organ Trio)
About the artists

SALEM JAZZ AND SOUL FESTIVAL @ Salem Willows
SJSF MAIN FESTIVAL - DAY ONE
Saturday, August 15, 2009
10:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Salem Willows, Salem, MA
(Opening performance by Salem High School Jazz Ensemble)
Manami Morita & Randy Runyon Quintet
Gregorio Uribe Big Band
Brotherhood of Groove
Sea Monsters
...and headliners Revolutionary Snake Ensemble!
(With a special appearance by the Boston Typewriter Orchestra)
MC - Holly Harris, ultimateblues.com

SJSF MAIN FESTIVAL - DAY TWO
Sunday, August 16, 2009        
11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Salem Willows, Salem, MA
Qwill & the Further from Zen Orchestra
Soul Force V
Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints
...and headliners The Boston Horns Big Band!
MC - Henley Douglas Jr.

Also at the Main Festival 8/15 & 8/16
DJ - Radio Scotvoid will perform between sets.  The main
festival also features face painting, kids tent, music classes
and arts & crafts for sale by local vendors!

About the artists

SOUL LOTTA LOVE
A Benefit for the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival
Featuring BARRENCE WHITFIELD AND THE SAVAGES!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
7 p.m. Preview Party, Music @ 8 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall, 94 Washington Square, Salem
Auction * Raffle * Dancing

Tickets & artist informationo