Huntsville gets its groove back: Jazz in the Park returns to Big Spring Park

HUNTSVILLE – Jazz music may be the original DEI – Diverse. Expressive. Improvisational.

But its unique sound won’t soon be cancelled as the city celebrates the return of Jazz in the Park.

Presented by the city of Huntsville and Downtown Huntsville Inc., the free concert series will take over Big Spring Park each Sunday in September.

This year’s edition features the return of BK Jackson and Erisa Nicole, as well as local ensembles Izzy & The Jazz Addicts and Element XI.

Mayor Tommy Battle said Jazz in the Park more than just a concert series; it’s a cornerstone of Huntsville’s growing music scene that is bringing some of the nation’s best jazz artists to Huntsville.

“Every year, I am amazed at the level of talent exhibited on the Jazz in the Park stage,” Battle said. “Huntsville continues to raise the bar by attracting top-notch regional and national acts and matching it with our own phenomenal local jazz artists.”

Past events have been held in Big Spring Park East. But, because of construction for the park expansion, this year’s festival will be held under the open skies of Big Spring Park West.

“Hosting Jazz in the Park in downtown Huntsville allows the rhythm of the jazz community to resonate across the city,” said DHI Board Chair Mark Russell. “This event has grown into an important part of Huntsville’s cultural landscape and connects people from different backgrounds through music.”

Multicultural Affairs Director Dr. Randy Barbour said his office is thrilled to continue to support the series, organized previously by former Director Kenny Anderson.

“Jazz is rooted in diversity and expression, and this series continues to highlight the beauty of those values,” Barbour said. “Thank you to our partners and sponsors for helping us elevate this moment into a movement.”

The concerts will also coincide with Huntsville Music Month, observed each September.

Music Officer Matt Mandrella said Jazz in the Park stretches the city’s musical palette and amplifies the voices of incredible talent, locally and nationally.

This year’s lineup:

Sept. 7

• 5 p.m. – Emily Joseph Band
• 6 p.m. – Kayoband featuring Kelley O’Neal
• 7:30 p.m. – Phil Denny

Sept. 14

• 5 p.m. – Izzy & The Jazz Addicts
• 6 p.m. – Erisa Nicole
• 7:30 p.m. – Jazmin Ghent

Sept. 21

• 5 p.m. – Element XI
• 6 p.m. – Gino Rosaria
• 7:30 p.m. – Pamela Williams

Sept. 28

• 5 p.m. – Kelvin Wooten
• 6 p.m. – Phylicia Rae & Jacob Webb
• 7:30 p.m. – BK Jackson

For more information, visit the Jazz in the Park Huntsville Facebook page.