Headliners

The Donald Harrison Quartet

Legendary New Orleans "Big Chief" himself! Considered to be a master of every era of jazz. Wherever there is jazz—from New Orleans to Africa, and from Mardi Gras to music festivals around the world—Big Chief's music is heard and felt.

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Antonia Bennett

With special guest Jason Marsalis! Antonia is the youngest daughter of legendary artist Tony Bennett. After following in his footsteps for many years (including opening for Tony around the world), she now charts her own path as a renowned vocalist.

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Full Lineup & Schedule

This year's lineup features an incredible mix of local and national talent, with a diversity of styles and sounds that will make the entire day a "can't miss" event! It will kick off at 11:00 a.m. and run through the parade finale at 7:00 p.m.

Our headliners will travel from LA and New Orleans, but you only have to travel to Ridgeland!

Food & Beverage Vendors On-Site

Bring your appetite! We'll have plenty of options to choose from, plus beer, wine, cocktails, and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks

What to Expect

FREE admission!
Thanks to our incredible sponsors (listed on this page). Make sure to thank them for buying your ticket!

Rain or shine
Covered seating will be available, but blankets and lawn chairs are welcome (no tents). 

Good food
Plenty of food and drink will be available for purchase, so no coolers please.

NEW! TrustCare Kids Zone
Let the kids enjoy fun and games in the enclosed play area provided by TrustCare Express Medical Clinics.

You don't have to just take our word for it... check out some of the news coverage from last year:

About the Event

After growing slowly over the first decade, the festival has burst onto the metro music scene over the past few years. Local news outlets have called it "One of the most popular music events in Mississippi."

The event has gained a reputation as one of the best family-friendly music events in the state – and the only music festival in the Jackson metro area dedicated exclusively to jazz!

Our formula is simple: offer a full spectrum of jazz artists (from national recording artists to local up-and-coming professionals and students) in a safe, clean environment, all for the low, low price of FREE! That's right: our festival is free to the public (thanks to the contributions of our wonderful corporate sponsors, like title sponsor Morgan White Group).

Covered seating is always available; blankets and lawn chairs welcome (no tents). Food and beverage vendors will be on site (no coolers, please).

Festival History

The Jazz Festival is the brainchild of Raphael Semmes (a mainstay in the metro music scene for decades) and Tripp Douglas (owner of Fusion Coffeehouse). After three years of hosting live jazz sessions at Fusion Coffeehouse, the crowds were easily overwhelming the small venue. So the logical next step was to take it "outside the box."

The inaugural festival in 2008 was a success, with about a hundred people enjoying jazz in the sun on May 30, 2008. The crowds continued to grow as subsequent festivals featured headliners like Mose Allison, Jason Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Ezra Brown, Astral Project, Benny Golson, Eddie Henderson, Nicholas Payton, and Russell Malone.

Now in its second decade, the event is known as one of the most popular family-friendly spring events in the Jackson metro area.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more details on the Township Jazz Festival and sponsorship opportunities email Tripp Douglas at Fusion Coffeehouse or call (601) 856-6001.