50th anniversary Jazz Festival returns to Pavilion Aug. 3

A star-studded lineup has been assembled for the 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival coming to the Concord Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 3, presented by Concord Jazz and Live Nation.

The festival began in 1969 at what is now Dave Brubeck Park adjacent to Concord High School and spawned not only the construction of the Pavilion, which opened in 1975, but also gave birth to the venerable Concord Jazz record label in 1973. Concord Jazz continues its commitment to presenting the finest jazz and live music with this year’s line-up.

Featured artists for the 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival include Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns, Esperanza Spalding, Chick Corea Spanish Heart Band, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra featuring Patti Austin, Jamison Ross, Carmen Bradford and special guests in a special Celebrating Ella set, Poncho Sanchez & his Latin Jazz Band, and many more to be announced soon.

Doors for the festival will open at 2 p.m. with pre-concert music and festivities with the main stage performances beginning at 4 o’clock.

“The Concord Jazz Festival was a cornerstone of the Concord Pavilion concert season for years and we’re thrilled to bring this iconic event back for the 50th Anniversary celebration.” said Aaron Siuda, senior vice president of Live Nation Northern California. “In conjunction with Concord Jazz, we’ve put together a stellar lineup that showcases many of the great artists that Concord Jazz represents.”

“The creation of this festival by visionary [Concord businessman] Carl Jefferson in 1969 led directly to his formation of the Concord Jazz label just a few years later,” said Concord Records President John Burk. “We at Concord Jazz owe a great debt to Jefferson and the City of Concord, and we are thrilled to partner with Live Nation in bringing the Festival back home for its 50th Anniversary.”

The festival was last held 15 years ago in 2004 at the Pavilion. Poncho Sanchez was on the bill that day.

Visit Concord has assembled a committee of former Concord Jazz and Pavilion staff as well as local community leaders that is planning other events leading up to and around the Aug. 3 Pavilion concert.

Executive Director Elaine Schroth says, “We’re excited about the plans coming together for a community-wide celebration of this 50th anniversary of the Concord Jazz Festival, culminated by the return of the festival to the Pavilion. Not only are we looking back at the historic roots of the festival but looking forward to making this an annual part of Concord’s summer.”

Details on those other Concord Jazz Festival events will be forthcoming.

Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival range from $39.50 to $149.50 plus applicable charges, including a limited number of general admission 4 Packs while supplies last. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.Livenation.com or at the Concord Pavilion Box Office.

An exclusive commemorative album of music by the featured artists will be included with every pair of tickets purchased for the 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival.

The 50th Anniversary Concord Jazz Festival is presented in part by the Unity Music Foundation.