After the Covid-19 pandemic shut down live music around the world for more than a year, Jazzmobile – New York City’s longest running live jazz concert series – returns July 7 with SUMMERFEST 2021. The 57th annual festival, dedicated to co-founder Dr. Billy Taylor in honor of his 100th Birthday, takes over stages across the city to present a diverse roster of jazz icons and emerging artists. Although audiences will be limited, Jazzmobile’s much-anticipated return promises to be another outstanding year of high-quality performances by world class performers that will fill New York’s cultural landscape with jazz in all its forms, including straight-ahead, swing, blues, Latin, and Afro-Cuban. The season will also salute the “intergalactic” poet, composer, musician SunRa, and more.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, friends and festival family for their continued support throughout this very difficult time,” said Robin Bell-Stevens, Jazzmobile Director and Summerfest Executive Producer. “Many of our audience members have been attending our concerts for all five decades. They enjoyed our virtual concerts, but have let us know that they are eager to join us in the parks and other outdoor venues. Jazzmobile is thrilled to welcome back artists, audiences and live music on July 7.”