Monterey Jazz Festival 2024

About:
The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world, having been held annually since 1958. It takes place annually in September at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, California, USA. The festival typically features over 500 artists performing on multiple stages over three days and attracts around 40,000 jazz fans each year.

The Monterey Jazz Festival has a strong educational component, with workshops, clinics, and jam sessions for musicians of all ages and skill levels. The festival has also established a scholarship program to support young jazz musicians in pursuing their musical education.

The festival has a rich history and has hosted many legendary jazz artists over the years, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, and Ella Fitzgerald. It has also been a platform for many up-and-coming jazz musicians to gain wider recognition.

Famous For:
The festival is also known for its innovative programming, which includes not only jazz but also blues, R&B, world music, and other genres. Additionally, the festival has a strong focus on music education and hosts a number of workshops, masterclasses, and performances for students and aspiring musicians.

Creation Purpose:
The Monterey Jazz Festival was founded by jazz disc jockey Jimmy Lyons and festival producer Ralph J. Gleason in 1958. They created the festival as a way to bring together jazz musicians and fans in a relaxed, outdoor setting, and to showcase the wide range of styles and sounds within the jazz genre.

Fun Facts:
The festival's iconic logo, featuring a trumpet player against a yellow sunburst background, was designed by artist Tom Medley and has remained virtually unchanged since 1958.

The festival has been held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds every year except for 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact on the Music Industry:
The Monterey Jazz Festival has helped to establish jazz music as a significant cultural and artistic force, while also providing a platform for experimentation and innovation within the genre. Its impact on the music industry has been far-reaching and long-lasting.