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.
We’re thrilled to have the festival safely return this year to Marcus Garvey Park from August 28 – August 29!
Join us from August 28 – 29 for the 28th annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, a vibrant – and free – celebration of jazz.
This year we once again celebrate the artistic and creative energy that has made Harlem a world renowned artistic community, but after a trying year in which the horns went silent, also honoring the neighborhood—and our city’s—resilience in the face of adversity. Parker’s music has long represented Harlem’s legacy as a hub of Black culture and innovation, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival has always strove to reflect the community’s contributions to music.
This year’s festival returns to Marcus Garvey Park, and brings together multiple generations of musicians. The lineup includes artists from both around the way and around the world, reflecting the global impact that Parker continues to have on music and the musicians that make it. Donald Harrison brings his quartet for a collaboration with some of Harlem’s finest string musicians in celebration of Parker’s most commercially successful works, while Willie Jones III has assembled a diverse ensemble of nascent stars and jazz veterans.
We’re excited to bring jazz back to Marcus Garvey, and look forward to celebrating Charlie Parker’s music and legacy with you!
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:
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.
