There's a new sponsor for the first big jazz festival of the season, but the same great music as always seems to be ready to go. The 2025 Saratoga Jazz Festival is sponsored by GE Vernova, and is scheduled for June 28-29 on the scenic grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). As always, the range of talent is broad, from the blues (Gary Clark Jr.) to the great vocalists of today and tomorrow (Gregory Porter, Cassandra Wilson, Veronica Swift, Nicole Zuraitis) to certified jazz legends (Al DiMeola, Gary Bartz, Kenny Garrett) to successful crossover acts (Lettuce, Trombone Shorty). Click here for a full list of artists on the Main Stage and more intimate Charles R, Wood Discovery Stage.
As always, producer Danny Melnick joined me to discuss the festival and give some insight into how the event is structured and how it takes place, as well as the skinny on which artists to catch. Danny has been graciously joining me for podcast conversations since 2011, and its always a pleasure to speak with him.
Besides all the great music, the festival has continually upgraded its facilities, and has a juried art and craft fair, terrific restaurant-quality food and grounds to explore. "The Hang" is one of the great weekends of each summer, so be sure to put it on your calendar.
Musical selections include the title track from NEA Jazz Master Kenny Garrett's Do Your Dance album and "Skylark" from Cassandra Wilson's Grammy winning New Moon Daughter album, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the festival in an exclusive New York performance.
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