Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra to Headline Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017

Blumenthal Performing Arts' hit jazz festival returns to the Queen City this spring, once again featuring the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis.

Sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation, Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017 will take place April 20-23 at Levine Center for the Arts and Romare Bearden Park, with even more to offer than the inaugural sellout year.

"The idea of a jazz festival of this magnitude was a longtime dream for many in our city. The huge success of the first year was proof that Charlotte jazz fans were eager and ready for this," said Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. "With Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on board again, along with the exciting new plans for this second year, we are confident it will be an unforgettable event for our region."

One of the most exciting new elements is the addition of several tented events at Romare Bearden Park. High quality talent will entertain audiences beginning Thursday, April 20, through Sunday, April 23. (The full schedule is available at CharlotteJazzFestival.com.) The final event at the park is free fun for the whole family, as the community is invited to a picnic to celebrate the closing of Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can also catch intimate club performances at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Mint Museum. Plus, a jazz brunch at Wells Fargo Atrium and late night jams at the Westin Hotel. The jazz pavilion outside of Knight Theater will offer free lunchtime jazz hours and evening happy hours. Other events include the second line parade, youth jazz competition, workshops where kids can get hands-on instruction and much more!

The main stage shows at Knight Theater, featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, are sure to delight audiences with Celebrating Dizzy Gillespie on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. and The Jazz Age: Untamed Elegance on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017 are on sale now. Visit CharlotteJazzFestival.com, BlumenthalArts.org or call 704-372-1000 for complete details and pricing.

The Leon Levine Foundation has signed on for a second consecutive year as a presenting sponsor of the Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017. Executive Director, Tom Lawrence, says, "We are delighted to partner once again with Blumenthal Performing Arts on this project. The multi-day community event led by the vision of Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will have it all: concerts, classes, exhibits, panel discussions, free performances and more. Its cultural programs like the Charlotte Jazz Festival that help brighten our city and make it such a special place."

Free Fun on the Plaza, the free programming presented at the pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts throughout the week, is presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, an affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. Foundation For The Carolinas Executive Vice President BrIan Collier says, "Foundation For The Carolinas and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation are excited to be a part of this incredibly successful event. We are strong believers in the power of music to bridge differences and build the social capital that is so vital to the success of everyone in our community.

Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and North Carolina Arts CounciL. Blumenthal Performing Arts is also supported by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights.

Founded by entrepreneur and businessman, Leon Levine, The Leon Levine Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to improving the human condition in the areas of education, healthcare and human services as well as building Jewish identity and strengthening Jewish communities. The Foundation seeks to create permanent, measurable, life-changing impact by investing in organizations with highly effective leadership, a track record of success and a focus on sustainability.