Stefon Harris and Blackout, Regina Carter Quartet to Highlight Twin Cities Jazz Festival

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is set to return for its 26th edition on June 21 and 22, featuring a lineup headlined by Stefon Harris and Blackout and the Regina Carter Quartet. The festival, which takes place in the vibrant neighborhood of Lowertown at Mears Park in St. Paul, offers a captivating showcase of jazz music, accessible to all as it proudly remains free of charge.

A New Era with Dayna Martinez at the Helm

This year marks the beginning of a new chapter for the festival with the introduction of Dayna Martinez as the executive director. Martinez brings a wealth of experience from her vice-presidential role at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and as director of the Flint Hills Family Festival. This transition follows the retirement of the Jazz Fest's founder, Steve Heckler.

Headliners and Notable Acts

Among the illustrious headlining acts confirmed, Stefon Harris and Blackout are scheduled to perform on June 21 at 8:30 p.m. Harris has been recognized as a significant figure in contemporary jazz. Also taking the stage that day at 6 p.m. is Karrin Allyson, a voice celebrated with numerous Grammy nominations. The following evening, June 22 at 8:30 p.m., sees the esteemed Regina Carter Quartet performing, an ensemble fronted by the recipient of the 2023 National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy. Additionally, the Joe Lovano Quartet is expected to delight audiences at 6 p.m. that same day.

While these are the acts setting the headline, the full festival schedule promises a wide range of artists and performances. Attendees can look forward to immersing themselves in the vibrant and dynamic world of jazz, with further details to emerge as the event date draws closer.

Jazz, Free, Concerts