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Albany, NY – The City of Albany's 19th Annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, presented by Stantec, kicks off this Saturday, September 11th. The all-day free concert event will be held at the Jennings Landing. The event starts at 12 p.m. with a 9/11 Commemoration and the presentation of the Henry Johnson Award.  Five incredible live acts will take the stage throughout the day.  The show will conclude at 8 p.m. with a fantastic fireworks display!  Media sponsors for the event are 88.3 The Saint and WCDB 90.9.  

Since its debut in 2002, the City of Albany Jazz Festival has featured an eclectic array of all-time musical greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists and local favorites. Great food, beverages and vendors make the Jazz Festival an event for all ages- and admission is still free!

Masks are required for unvaccinated attendees at this show. 

The lineup for the Annual City of Jazz Festival will feature: 

12:00pm 9/11 Remembrance & Henry Johnson Award Presentation:

At the start of the Festival, the City of Albany will commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring First Responders. The Commemoration will be followed by the 5th Annual Henry Johnson Award for Distinguished Community Service, which will be given to Dr. Brenda Robinson, a nurse and community activist who has worked tirelessly and selflessly during the pandemic to protect health care workers and the general public from COVID-19.

12:40pm – Heard

Heard is a collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves set in a unique sonic tapestry. Together for a decade, their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond.

2:10pm – Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes

JAZZ VIBES is an ensemble featuring Michael on vibraphone, David Gleason on piano, Mike Lawrence on bass and Pete Sweeney on drums. The repertoire of the group includes straight ahead jazz standards, Latin-American songs and original material.

3:40pm CubaQuinto 

The best in Cuban inspired music in the NY Capitol Region David Gleason-Piano Erik Johnson-Bass Ben O'Shea-Trombone Pete Sweeney-Drums Alex Gonzalez-Percussion.

5:20pm Lao Tizer feat Elliott Yamin 

Lao Tizer is a pianist, keyboardist, composer and recording artist based in LA, a former "Best New Jazz Artist" nominee (2002), and his group was nominated 2011 "Jazz Group of the Year."  

Elliott Yamin, is an American singer known for his hit single "Wait for You" and placing third on the fifth season of American Idol.  His self-titled album, released March 20, 2007, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified gold in the United States 

7:00pm Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom 

Miller’s talents have landed her gigs in the mainstream music world, with artists like Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, and singer Brandi Carlile; and her jazz skills have been embraced by everyone from avant-garde saxophonist Marty Ehrlich to organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith.

8:00pm Fireworks show!

Ground rules: Masks required for unvaccinated attendees. No glass, animals or recording of performances. All City of Albany parks are now curb-to-curb tobacco-free.

Rain Location:  In the event of inclement weather the Jazz Festival would be held at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch. 

The 19th Annual City of Albany Jazz Festival is brought to you by:

• Stantec
• Citizens
• DeCrescente
• Truly Hard Seltzer
• Miller Lite
• Albany Parking Authority
• CDTA
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Tri City Valley Cats
• Recovery Sports Grill
• Trinity Alliance
• Dutch Apple Cruises

Media partners: 

• 88.3 The Saint
• WCDB 90.9
• Albany.com
• The Spot 518
• NYS Music
• Nippertown
• Spiral Design Studio

For more information on the City of Albany’s FREE festivals and events, visit albanyevents.org, call the City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs at 518.434.2032 or follow @albanyNYevents on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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