The curtains have closed. The stage is dismanteld. The bands that played have returned from whence they came. And the attendees of the third annual Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival are glad that they came.
This celebration of great music is the flagship event of the Springfield Kiwanis Club. Kudos to each of its members: truly, this was a world-class level assemblage of performances even cities like Nashville or Berlin would have been proud to present.
Judge Rich Carey has been a member of the S.K.C. for over 25 years and was a former branch president. As the mastermind behind its inception, his current title is Chairperson and Producer of the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Together with its representing committee, Judge Carey recruited around 100 volunteers, and 18 live musical acts to grace the stages of downtown Springfield. He made disciplined efforts to be sure this year's iteration of the free-to-attend show series ran smoothly and it did. A separate Development Committee is tasked with year-long fundraising to support the growing community event. Good on them too.
“The biggest crowd on Friday was at Mother Stewart's. Commons Park had the biggest crowd on Saturday night to see Kurt Elling with SSJO. People were really just coming and going. We had 18 artists. Some would come for a particular performance, some for the day, and some for the whole weekend. Nonetheless it's eclipsed last year by far, ” says Carey.
From August 9th through the 10th, an estimated 12,000 people swarmed the city center from near and far. With setlists getting more impressive and more grand as the years progress, one onlooker found herself starting to feel more at home with her new chosen community of Springfield, and with these particular genres of music in general.
De’Joneth Badger recently moved to Springfield in July, just in time to attend the event. “Jazz and I were like oil and water, but I'm really getting into the groove especially after hearing Carmen.” Badger is referring to composer and singer Carmen Bradford who performed on The Commons stage alongside pianist Bobby Floyd and his Trio. Both are contemporary powerhouses of the genre and Grammy nominees.
For the incorporation of such renowned talent, Judge Carey credits the assistance of Todd Stall and his New York connections. Stall is one of the Directors of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. As Carey explains: “ Todd has been a significant resource for us to employ and put together a festival each year. Some [artists] are even recommended to him from around the country. One who I was most excited about was Nora Jean Wallace, who is based out of Chicago. She teamed up with Marquis Knox for a packed crowd at Mother Stewart's on Friday, where she absolutely blew everyone's socks off!”
Along with its increasingly impressive roster of musicians, the accommodations for its attendees are seeing improvements as well . This year S.K.C. was able to offer the "Courtesy Cab," which shuttled people between stages and parking lots, and provided gratis by Ride One PowerSports. The festival’s "Late Night Jam Session," after the main setlist, was changed to be held at the State Theater’s newly renovated entertainment space. Additionally, one lucky festival-goer had the opportunity to win a live painting done by artist Holliana: I’m based in Columbus but came to Springfield for the festival, and am just happy to get to be a part of it. It’s always a great vibe to try to capture in paint,” says Holliana.
Looking to next year's event, Judge Carey says it will be held August 8th and 9th, 2025. The Springfield Kiwanis Club will be recruiting sponsors and volunteers from now until then. Find them on Facebook or go to
https://business.greaterspringfield.com/members/member/kiwanis-club-of-springfield-15228 to reach out and become a part of this rising mainstay for the culture of Springfield.
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