The Franz Jackson Jazz Celebration is an annual jazz event held in Dowagiac, Michigan in honor of the Chicago jazz leged Franz Jackson, who also happened to be a resident of Dowagiac.
This will be the 6th annual Jazz Celebration and we're excited that it's expanded from a one night concert event to a full day of music with several jazz performances designed for the entire family to enjoy! This year's Celebration will have something for everyone - from traditional dixieland-style sounds to the newer generation of jazz artists to big-band swing!
The Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center, an 800-seat, state-of-the-art theater, is the site of this year's Jazz Celebration. The venue rivals any auditorium in the area and we're confident you'll have an extremely enjoyable experience listening to the world-class musicians we have on tap!
One ticket price gives you access to any and all performances. In between sets, let your kids try out our "instrument petting zoo", and everyone will love interacting with computerized music and light program!
The Franz Jackson Jazz Celebration is proud to provide a portion of the proceeds to Charity Music, Inc., a Michigan-based non-profit organization that provides new and used musical instruments on loan to disadvantaged children so that they can explore their musical possibilities.
So, come and spend the day, enjoy the music and pay tribute to a jazz legend!
But Wait....This Year, There's More!
This year, the party doesn't end with the Jazz Celebration! A special extra event takes place that evening.....the CD Release Party for "Franz Jackson: Milestone", the last recording Franz made - the music from his 95th birthday concert in November, 2007.
The CD Release Party for "Milestone" will be held at the Wood Fire Trattoria in Dowagiac in the evening following the Jazz Celebration with an "all-star" roster of musicians who played with Franz and were on hand for his 95th birthday concert.
So, make a night of it and join us for great food, swinging music and celebration of a "Milestone" - in honor of Franz!
Limited tickets for the CD release party are available and all attendees that night receive a free digital download of "Franz Jackson: Milestone".
Drawing by Robert Naujoks
Slogan submitted by Georgia Boyer
Header design by Chris Perry
