Litchfield Jazz Festival Announces Lineup for 30th Anniversary Celebration
The Litchfield Jazz Festival is thrilled to announce the lineup for its 30th Anniversary Celebration, set to take place from July 25-27, 2024. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable weekend of world-class jazz, beginning with a spectacular Opening Night Gala and culminating in a delightful Sunday Jazz Brunch. Tickets will be available on March 1.
Friday, July 25: Opening Night Gala & Emmet Cohen Trio Performance
Kick off the festivities with the Opening Night Gala at 5:45 PM under the twinkle-lit Anniversary Tent. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres accompanied by performances from this year’s outstanding Jazz Campers.
The evening continues with a special performance by the Emmet Cohen Trio at 7:45 PM. Featuring Philip Norris on bass, Joe Farnsworth on drums, and Emmet Cohen on keys, this trio exemplifies the festival’s deep connection to the iconic Litchfield Jazz Camp. Emmet, a former Jazz Camper, made his festival debut in 2013 and is returning for his fifth appearance.
Saturday, July 26: All Jazz All Day
Saturday’s lineup features a full day of exceptional jazz, starting at 3 PM with the Matt Dwonszyk Sextet. Bassist Matt Dwonszyk, also a Litchfield Jazz Camp alumn, leads a stellar group with Kris Allen (saxophone), Andrew Renfroe (guitar), Taber Gable (piano), Jonathan Barber (drums), and Shenel Johns (vocals).
Experience the virtuosic guitar duo of Pasquale Grasso and Frank Vignola. Grasso, praised by Pat Metheny as “the best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life,” shares the stage with the internationally acclaimed Vignola, making his Litchfield debut.
The day concludes with a captivating performance by Anat Cohen Quartetinho. This ensemble features Anat Cohen (clarinet/saxophone), Tal Mashiach (bass), Vitor Goncalves (piano/accordion), and James Shipp (vibraphone/percussion), delivering a blend of original compositions and classics by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Egberto Gismonti.
Sunday, July 27: The Finale – Jazz Brunch
Celebrate the festival’s conclusion with an al fresco Jazz Brunch at noon in the Anniversary Tent, featuring cuisine from Litchfield Jazz’s Chef, Charlene Dutka. The brunch showcases the dynamic Champian Fulton Trio, with Champian on piano and vocals, Fukushi Tainaka on drums, and Hide Tanaka on bass. Described by All About Jazz as “a balm for the soul,” Fulton’s performance promises to leave guests smiling.
Early ticket purchases are highly recommended as the Jazz Brunch is known to sell out quickly.
About Litchfield Jazz Festival
Since its inception 30 years ago, the Litchfield Jazz Festival has been a premier destination for jazz enthusiasts, fostering talent through the Litchfield Jazz Camp and presenting top-tier performances. Join us for this milestone celebration and experience the magic of jazz in Litchfield.
For more lineup information, visit https://litchfieldjazzfest.com/
Tickets will be available on March 1.