Saturday’s performers included bluesman Marquise Knox, who has toured with ZZ Top and Cheap Trick and a mix of local and national talent as the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra performed with Samara Joy, one of the up-and-coming stars of the jazz world. “Those places are bigger, but there’s not as many local groups and that has a nice feeling to have,” he said. And though he’s used to playing shows in big cities, this offered a different experience. Pizzarelli was glad to help inaugurate the festival as an ambassador of jazz. “People hear that and now they might go out and look for more jazz music,” he said.
Pizzarelli said after the show he hoped that type of reception would lead people to learn more about jazz if they didn’t already know. His guitar skills also had the audience applauding consistently. Pizzarelli, one of the biggest names in jazz who has performed with superstars like Paul McCartney and more than 20 albums to his credit, had the audience dancing, grooving and laughing as he had a comedian’s timing in between playing Great American Songbook tunes and how he became interested in these songs and began his career. Mother's Jazz Collective kicked off the evening Friday, Augat the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival in National Road Commons Park. Todd Stoll, who leads the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra that helped spark an interest in jazz locally and coordinated the talent for the festival, said the event was designed to expose various types of jazz and blues. but you’re in Springfield,” said Doug Nave. “You’d think you were in New York or Washington, D.C. They’d like to see more in the park, which they consider their front yard and sometimes feels like somewhere else. The couple along with dog Penny often sit on their balcony and listen to the music across the street at Mother Stewart’s when bands perform. It’s nice to be in the middle of things,” Doug Nave said.
JAZZ BACKGROUND MUSIC FREE
Doug and Luktan Nave didn’t know they’d get free live entertainment outside their front doors, where all they had to do was set up lawn chairs. Some of the most convenient seats belonged to those living in the townhouses across the street from the park. Explore PHOTOS: A look back at Springfield's history There was also room for people who wanted to dance. They were grateful for the several people who sponsored to make it a free festival including Springfield’s John Legend.other Stewart’s was filled as well with several food trucks as visitors filled the outdoor area near the stage and inside. The Kiwanis Club of Springfield worked to make the festival a rounded event by including a kids’ area with inflatables, food trucks, a few vendors, places to sit and move about. “Having two kids, it’s not always easy to go to things and having festivals close helps,” Holland said. The Hollands will skip the second day of the Jazz and Blues festival and instead make a stop Saturday at the Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition. He already likes jazz and thought it a good opportunity to share with his girls, who love dancing. Moodie/Contributing Photographerĭarren Holland of Springfield saw it as a chance to give his wife some alone time by bringing his young daughters ages 10 months and 2½ years in a stroller.
The festival also included food trucks, beer and an activity area for children. Groups performed on stages at Mother Stewart's Brewery and Commons Park. Over a dozen jazz and blues bands performed during the first Springfield Jazz and Blues Fest on Friday and Saturday, August 19-20.
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