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, will return in its 31st year for a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Each year, some of the finest jazz musicians in the world are assembled who reflect “the Bird’s” musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist.
Running August 25 to August 27, this year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists including Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band and T.K Blue in association with Jazzmobile; groundbreaking jazz supergroup The Cookers; legendary jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson and the celebrated Vincent Herring Septet performing Something Else! among others.
2023 CPJF Ancillary Events
Sunday, August 20 at 3PM – Marcus Garvey Park Sankofa Pavillion – Endea Owens: The Community Cookout In Partnership with the Jazz Museum of Harlem and the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance (FREE)
Wednesday, August 23 at 5:30PM – El Sol Brillante – Jazz In the Garden: Andrea Brachfeld Quartet in association with The Jazz Foundation of America and Ariana’s List (FREE)
Wednesday, August 23 at 7PM – The National Jazz Museum in Harlem – Harlem Speaks: The Cookers Talk Bird with Keanna Faircloth (FREE with RVSP)
Thursday, August 24: 6PM concert / 8PM screening – Hansborough Recreation Center Rooftop – Paris is in Harlem band feat. Antoine Roney and Spaceman Patterson + Film Screening: “Paris is in Harlem” in association with NYC Parks and Jazz Foundation of America (FREE with RSVP) In case of rain the event will take place indoors at the Hansborough Recreation Center.
Thursday, August 24 at 7PM – The New School | Jazz Performance Space – Communal Ancestral Listening Session with Michael Mwenso (FREE with RSVP)
Thursday, August 24 at 11PM – Jazz at Lincoln Center – Dizzy’s Club Late Night Jam Session: Bruce Williams 4 (FREE for participating musicians, $15 cover)
Friday, August 25 at 5:30PM – Harlem Rose Garden – Jazz In the Garden: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet featuring Eddie Henderson in association with the Jazz Foundation and Ariana’s List (FREE first-come, first-served)
The 2023 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Artwork by Misha Tyutyunik.
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 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 National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Public support is also provided by NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams, with special thanks to Council Member Carlina Rivera.
In partnership with NYC Parks. New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, NYS Council on the Arts.
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.
