Monterey Jazz Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monterey Jazz Festival |
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50th Golden Celebration Poster (2007)
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| Genre | Jazz, blues, rock |
| Location(s) | Monterey, California, US |
| Years active | 1958–present |
The Monterey Jazz Festival is a famous music event held every year in Monterey, California, USA. It started on October 3, 1958. It was created by jazz critic Ralph J. Gleason and radio host Jimmy Lyons. Jazz musician Dave Brubeck also helped get it started.
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History of the Festival
The festival happens every September. It takes place on a 20-acre fairground in Monterey. Many top jazz artists perform on nine different stages. There are about 50 concerts during the festival.
Besides music, the festival offers other fun things. You can find jazz talks, workshops, and art shows. There are also many food stands and shops.
From 1992 to 2010, Tim Jackson was in charge of the festival's art. Later, Chris Doss became the managing director. In 2014, Colleen Bailey took over as managing director. Famous actor Clint Eastwood has been on the festival's board since 1992.
The festival has grown a lot over the years. It now includes jazz, blues, and rock music. In 2006 and 2007, about 40,000 people attended. All the main concerts were sold out.
The festival was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant the 63rd festival was moved to 2021.
The Monterey Jazz Festival is a non-profit group. This means they use their money to help others. Since 1958, they have supported music education. In 1970, they started a scholarship fund. By 2012, they were investing $600,000 each year for jazz education.
Every spring, the festival hosts the "Next Generation Festival." Student musicians from all over the world come to play. Paul Contos has been a big part of this program. He directed the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra for 20 years.
Dave Brubeck helped get the city's approval for the first festival. Jimmy Lyons, the festival's founder, asked Brubeck to play for the city council. This helped convince them to allow the festival. Brubeck played at the festival 14 times. His last show was at the 50th anniversary in 2007.
The Monterey Pop Festival also happened at the fairgrounds in 1967. It was a famous rock music event.
Famous Performers Through the Years
The Monterey Jazz Festival has hosted many legendary musicians. Artists from different jazz styles have performed. Blues and rock musicians also joined the lineup over time.
Early Years: 1950s–1960s
The first festival in 1958 featured stars like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Dave Brubeck. Other early performers included Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, and John Coltrane. The festival quickly became known for bringing together top talent. Many famous jazz orchestras, like Duke Ellington's and Count Basie's, also played.
1970s–1980s
During these decades, the festival continued to showcase jazz legends. Performers like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Carmen McRae graced the stages. Blues artists such as B. B. King and Etta James also became regular guests. The festival celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1982. It featured many returning favorites.
1990s
The 1990s brought new and established artists to Monterey. Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Diana Krall were among the stars. The festival also welcomed blues and R&B artists. These included Ruth Brown and Al Jarreau. The event continued to expand its musical reach.
2000s
The 2000s saw performances by Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, and Tony Bennett. The 50th Golden Celebration in 2007 was a huge event. It featured Diana Krall, Sonny Rollins, and Ornette Coleman. The festival also continued its tradition of supporting young talent.
Since 2010
In recent years, the festival has continued to bring diverse artists. Performers like Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, and Pat Metheny have returned. Newer stars like Esperanza Spalding and Snarky Puppy have also played. The festival remains a key event for jazz lovers.
Images for kids
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50th Golden Celebration Poster (2007)
See also
In Spanish: Festival de Jazz de Monterrey para niños
