For 19 years, Jazz Arts of the Mountainwest has been the driving force behind the annual Salt Lake City Jazz Festival. Through numerous ups and downs, JAM has remained dedicated to delivering the best in jazz music and entertainment to the festival stages. We are proud to serve and be a part of the great community of Salt Lake City.
Like all things in life, change is inevitable. Thankfully, change can also be a catalyst for good. In fact, it can drive you to achieve something that you never thought possible. This year, JAM is excited to announce that for the first time ever, we are partnering with other organizations that are passionate about jazz to bring the community a 3-day, completely FREE festival to downtown Salt Lake.
The newly named Utah Jazz & Roots Festival will be held on September 5th, 6th, and 7th at the Gallivan Center. In partnership with the Utah Cultural Trust, Excellence in the Community and Jazz SLC, the 2019 festival aims to celebrate the legacy of jazz in Utah, the Utah Jazz basketball team’s rich history and to showcase the diversity and cultural that exists in our great state.
Jazz has always been the voice of the people and has played an instrumental role in the expression of what is happening around us. It has survived, evolved and flourished for more than 100 years. Our mission is to continue the jazz festival and its connection to the community. The Utah Jazz & Roots Festival’s leadership is committed to engaging the community, building partnerships with surrounding schools and universities, as well as including other community based organizations.
Our goal is to create a thriving downtown destination that will be attended by jazz appreciators and live music enthusiasts locally, nationally and abroad. This re-envisioned festival is sure to boost tourism in a dynamic and sustainable way, serving as a bridge from the past, to the present and future. The 2019 Utah Jazz & Roots Festival will highlight Grammy artists and celebrated local musicians as well as embracing contemporary jazz and the voice of the next generation of jazz performers.
The full press release is available here and check out the schedule for the festival here.
