As celebrated a figure in the pantheon of such swingin' legends as Miles and Coltrane, the saxophonist endearingly known as “Bird” laid the groundwork for boundary-pushing jazz when bebop was just in its infancy.
Half a century later, musicians still look to Parker's influential canon as a model of things to come. Accordingly, the genre's most innovative contemporary musicians flock to this roaming ode to the sax icon every year to celebrate his legacy. For the 2021 edition of this ever-exciting fest, another talent-jammed bill of young upstarts and proven vets take over Marcus Garvey Park to lay down the hottest grooves currently shaping the art form.
Some of the many performers scheduled are: The Donald Harrison Quartet, The Harlem Symphony Orchestra, Gary Bartz, Vincent Herring & Bobby Watson, Sarah Hanahan, Godwin Louis, Justin Robinson, Erena Terakubo with Donald Vega and Endea Owens and others. You can find the full schedule here.
Also look out for screenings, talks and other performances surrounding the flagship outdoor concerts.
Guests are required to show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours in order to enter.