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. Before the festival proper, partner events across the city will celebrate jazz with film screenings, acoustic performances, after parties and much more.
Running August 22 to August 24, this year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists including Ron Carter’s Great Big Band, trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton, accomplished jazz pianist Bertha Hope Quintet, rising jazz vocalist Georgia Heers, legendary TONY and GRAMMY-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater with celebrated jazz pianist Bill Charlap, brilliant jazz saxophonist and his influential jazz group Gary Bartz: NTU Troop, and the noted NYC jazz ensemble The Jazz Gallery All-Stars, among others.
2025 CPJF Ancillary Events
Check back later for more information!
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.
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