The Clearwater Jazz Holiday has a thirty year reputation for bringing some of the best names in jazz music to Clearwater, Florida. This year is no different. The four day festival, which is completely free thanks to donations and volunteers, will take place in Coachman Park October 15th through 18th. 
Al Jarreau will headline on the opening night, which is a Thursday. Jarreau is a seven time Grammy Award winner who holds the distinction of being the only vocalist to win in three separate categories: jazz, pop and R&B. Jarreau is known for his “innovative musical expressions”. He has performed with Miles Davis and has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his musical accomplishments.
Spend your Friday night with one of People Magazine’s 50 most beautiful people, Chris Botti! The jazz trumpeter will be headlining the second night of the festival. Rising above the “Muzak” label he was branded with early on in his career, Botti has proven himself to be a versatile musician, excelling in both jazz and pop. He is one of the world’s top selling instrumental artists, and has performed with Sting, Josh Groban, Steven Tyler, Yo-Yo Ma and John Mayer to name a few.
Two time Grammy Award nominee Boney James will take the stage Saturday night. Boney James is known for his “urban jazz” style of saxophone playing. Urban jazz is a contemporary form of jazz containing elements of hip-hop and R&B. His most recent CD Send One Your Love spent 8 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts. Also on Saturday night,There will also be a fireworks display sponsored by Homeowners Choice Insurance.
Closing out the festival on Sunday Night will be a performance from the Neville Brothers. The four brothers will bring their passion for funk and bluesy New Orleans-style jazz to Clearwater. Previously, the brothers closed Jazz Fest in New Orleans (their opening act that night was Neil Young), and performed in the Mardi Grad Mambo Tour 2009.
This year’s festival will also mark the return of the Jazz N Art walk on Cleveland Street. On Saturday and Sunday of the festival, the street will host artists and vendors. For more information on the Jazz N Art walk, visit www.jazznartwalk.com
To view the rest of the performance schedule for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, go to www.clearwaterjazz.com
