Each year we assemble some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. This vibrant – and free – celebration of jazz in New York brings together stories, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists.
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the eponymous late saxophonist returns for its 32nd year for a three-day celebration of free live jazz performances in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Every year, premiere jazz musicians who reflect Parker’s musical vision assemble to honor the highly influential and world-renowned artist. This year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists. Beginning on August 17 before the festival proper, partner events across the city will celebrate jazz with film screenings, acoustic performances, after parties and much more
Running August 23 to August 25, this year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists including the Christian McBride Big Band and Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile; Carmen Lundy, and Helen Sung with Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few; Louis Hayes, Ekep Nkwelle, and Alexis Lombre with sounds by DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener among others.
2024 CPJF Ancillary Events
August 17: Endea Owens: The Community Cookout
August 21: Jazz in the Garden: Cucho Martinez and Friends
August 21: Harlem Speaks: Louis Hayes and Christian McBride
August 22: Communal Ancestral Listening Session with Jerome Jennings: Max Roach at 100
August 23: Jazz in the Garden: Bertha Hope Quintet: Elmo Hope at 100
August 25: TRILL MEGA JAM Charlie Parker Jazz Festival After-Party
The 2024 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Artwork by Lily Qian.
To celebrate Charlie Parker’s 100th birthday in 2020, we presented an all-day digital Charlie Parker Jazz Festival as a part of our SummerStage Anywhere digital series during the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival weekend.
This special program featured a celebration of Charlie Parker’s life and the festival with a visit to Tompkins Square Park; a conversation with Charlie Parker Jazz Festival founder Sam Turvey, jazz performers Jason Moran and Jaleel Shaw and many more; plus archived Charlie Parker Jazz Festival performances.
Visit our YouTube to watch on demand highlights from our digital celebration.
Programming includes:
Generous private support for the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is provided by The Thompson Family Foundation, The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation, The Shubert Organization, J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, and the NYU Community Fund. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the National Endowment for the Arts; Public support is also provided by NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams, with special thanks to Council Member Carlina Rivera. Capital One is the title sponsor of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage. Supporting Sponsor Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Enjoy express entry and VIP seating at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival as a SummerStage member. At SummerStage, we believe the arts are for everyone and your membership helps make this possible.
