The Springfield, Ohio Jazz & Blues Festival is back for its fourth year on August 8–9, 2025, hosted in vibrant downtown Springfield. Presented by Springfield Kiwanis, this free community event spans two stages—Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. and National Road Commons—and features 18 national, regional, and local artists.
🎶 Highlights & Headliners
- Main Stage (Commons Park) on Saturday evening will be headlined by Cécile McLorin Salvant, a three-time Grammy winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
- Friday evening at the Commons features the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra (SSJO) with Terell Stafford.
- Other standout performers include blues phenom Marquis Knox, Mississippi Delta roots singer Nora Jean Wallace, and Latin-jazz rhythms from the Dayton Salsa Project.
- Late-night, free jam sessions in the nearby State Theater follow each night—an intimate, musician-led coda to the main stages.
⏰ Schedule At-a-Glance
Friday, Aug 8 (4 PM start)
- 4 PM @ Mother Stewart’s: Joe Waters, Rob Dove Quintet, Mother’s Jazz Collective, Shaun Booker Dammit Band, Marquis Knox
- 5:30 – 9 PM @ Commons: Sarah Hanahan Quartet, Jeff Hamilton Trio, SSJO + Terell Stafford & Ekep Nkwelle
Saturday, Aug 9 (2:30 PM start)
- 2:30 – 9 PM @ Commons: We Create Jazz, Hal Melia Quartet, Kenny Banks Jr. Trio, Sherman Irby with Chris Brown Trio, Cécile McLorin Salvant
- 3 – 9 PM @ Mother Stewart’s: Eddie Brookshire Trio, Birdshack, Dayton Salsa Project, Eric Jerardi Blues Band, Nora Jean Wallace
Jam sessions start around 10 PM Friday and 9:30 PM Saturday .
📍 Venue & Essentials
- Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co., 102 W. Columbia St
- National Road Commons Park—central downtown
- Free admission, open seating (bring your own chair/blanket)
- Local food trucks, brewery options, and kids zone
- Courtesy shuttle between stages and free customer cab
- Parking available; State Theater hosts indoor jam backup for weather concerns
Why Go?
- 🎤 Grammy-caliber talent: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Terell Stafford, Jeff Hamilton
- 🎷 Community vibe: Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra and local acts
- 🌙 Live jamming: Late-night, invite-you-to-sit-in sessions at the State Theater
- 🍻 Family-friendly festival: No admission fee, plus food, brews, and a fun land for kids
Planning Tips
Online full lineup and updates available at springfieldjazzbluesfest.com. Expect relaxed festival vibes—arrive early to grab good spots and enjoy the food offerings!
In short, it’s shaping up to be the best edition yet of this rising Midwest gem: a laid‑back, free celebration of jazz & blues, with top-tier headliners, community flair and spontaneous late‑night magic. Let me know if you’d like help finding parking, where to eat nearby, or catching a shuttle!
Leave a Reply