San Antonio’s most beloved jazz festival has found a new groove. Now in its 40th year, Jazz’SAlive is moving to Civic Park, the long-awaited new green space at Hemisfair.

Blowing into town September 29-30, the festival will feature some of the genre’s most well-known names on two stages. As always, general admission remains free for all ages.

“Our core values of equity, culture, and community drive our philosophy regarding free programming, explains San Antonio Parks Foundation communications director Libby Day via a release. “Financial and physical accessibility is paramount to demonstrating the power and purpose of parks.”

Of course, staging a two-day festival is a gargantuan undertaking. Jazz’SAlive will offer a pair of upgraded packages for those who want to offer financial support. Premium Patron Seats, available for $60 per day, offer vantage viewing at the main stage.

VIP private tables for eight are also available for $1,500 per day. The tickets come with access to air-conditioned restrooms and an invite to an exclusive after-party on September 29. Still, the main draw is a complimentary culinary experience curated by some of Alamo City’s top chefs. The team behind Silo Elevated Cuisine will strut their stuff on September 29, followed by chefs Peter and Susan Sypesteyn on September 30.

All guests are invited to attend the grand opening ceremony on September 29 from 4:30-5 pm before jazz reverberates across the park. The Main Stage, presented by Michelob Ultra, includes household names and local favorites. Artists include:

• Saxophonist and twelve-time Grammy nominee Kirk Whalum
  
• Blues guitarist and songwriter Jackie Venson
  
• New Orleans sextet Big Sam’s Funky Nation
  
• Japanese pianist, Yuko Mabuchi
  
• The Aaron Prado Sextet featuring Azul Barrientos
  
• United States Air Force Band of the West’s Dimensions In Blue Jazz Ensemble featuring Gerald French and The Original Tuxedo Band
  
• San Antonio-based Cuban trumpet player Haile Uriarte and Havana Soul
  
• Experimental jazz fusion group Jamail
  
• St. Mary’s University Jazz Band, directed by educator and contemporary jazz artist Dr. Adrian Ruiz

• San Antonio jazz staple the Dirty River Jazz Band, led by Chris Alvarado
  
• Jazz and prog outfit euphonia
  
• The Jazz Protagonists, led by Barry Brake
  
• Anthony Thomas Martinez and The Jazz Standard

Though more than 15,000 music lovers are expected to crowd the park, sharing videos of the sets will be easy thanks to a new amenity. The San Antonio Parks Foundation has teamed up with the Ambassador Theatre Group to offer The Jive Smart Wi-Fi Lounge presented by The Espee. The space will be outfitted by Period Modern to give selfies mid-century chic.

In all, Jazz’SAlive celebratory environment will be a fitting premiere for the $27 million central park, one of San Antonio’s most ambitious public works projects.

  

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Parks Foundation

Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline Jazz'SAlive

“We are thrilled to host Jazz’SAlive as the inaugural event at Civic Park,” said Andres Andujar, CEO of Hemisfair. “Partnering with the San Antonio Parks Foundation for one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country is a natural fit for the opening of ‘One of the World’s Great Public Places’ as we welcome the whole country in celebrating this momentous occasion.”