Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is one of the best musical events to attend. For 2 days, you get a lineup of some of the most amazing, iconic and emerging Jazz artists in the world. Performing on 2 stages at one of mother-natures most beautiful State Parks. You get an array of shopping, art exhibits, and food court as well as the best in Jazz .
Held in the quaint little town of Saratoga, NY at the Saratoga Spa State Park, this year’s Jazz Gala was fun, fantastic and memorable. The weather was picture perfect and the artists dug deep into the beat of their music and played hard from the bottom of their souls. We wanted to share with you some High-lights of this year’s fabulous Jazz Festival.
THE AMPHITHEATER @ SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL! (PHOTO CREDITS BY L BARNES)
Taking a break from the music you can shop or stroll through beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park! (Photo Credits by L. Barnes)
Headliners were the Legendary George Benson, Norah Jones, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave along with many new and upcoming Jazz Artists.
Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, June 29th was the Saratoga Springs High School Jazz Band and on June 30th the Shaker High School Jazz Ensemble. Both performances were on the Amphitheater Stage and those talented and remarkable student musicians were outstanding.
The phenomenal Saratoga Springs High Jazz Band performing @ The Amphitheater in the Saratoga Spa State Park-(Photo Credits-L.Barnes)
Donna Grantis is a Canadian Guitarist from Ontario and best known for performing and working with the legendary “Prince”. Donna is an amazing and phenomenal guitar player which she displayed at the 2019 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival. Of course, her work with Prince is a testimony of her ability to blend Jazz, Rock, and Funk for many years to come. Here she is performing inside the Amphitheater. (Photo Credits-S. Parris)
Donna Grantis making her Festival Debut at the 2019 Freihofers Saratoga Jazz Festival-(Photo Credits by L. Barnes) 
The essence and mood of New Orleans had come to the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival June 30th, 2019. Bringing their sophisticated sounds of funk, high energy music and elaborate costumes the Mardi Gras Indian band known as “Cha Wa” made their Festival Debut on the “Charles R.Wood Discovery Stage, this Grammy-nominated band is based out of New Orleans.
(Photo Credits by S. Parris)
Cuba’s legendary, Grammy-winning dance orchestra, Los Van Van celebrated their 50th Anniversary on the Amphitheater Stage at the Saratoga Jazz Festival. They bought to the stage their blend of Afro Cuban, Disco and Funk music, they are considered the greatest dance orchestra and are known worldwide for their high energy iconic live performances. (Photo Credits by L.Barnes)
Los Van Van 50th Anniversary (Photo Credits by S.Parris)
Veronica Swift with The Emmet Cohen Trio making her festival debut at the Saratoga Jazz Fest on the Charle R.Wood Jazz Discovery Stage. Veronica is identified as one of the new top Jazz singers on the circuit. Her lustful voice, effortless techniques and ability to improvised was demonstrated here at the Jazz Festival. She is definitely a singer who is destined for greatness. (Photo Credits by L.Barnes)
The James Carter Organ Trio performing on the Amphitheater Stage. To look at James Carter, you would never know he’s been on the Jazz scene for over 25 years and his Organ Band for over 18 years. They are unstoppable on the stage with their straight ahead Jazz and have definitely earned the title as being one of the greatest in Jazz. ( Photo credits by L.Barnes)
George Benson doing what he does best as the headliner at the Saratoga Jazz Festival, pumping out all of his greatest and latest hits, which earned him numerous standing ovations during the course of his performance. The iconic performer has been plucking his guitar strings for over five decades. From legendary hits like ” This Masquerade”, “Breezin”, and “Give Me The Night”and then to pays tribute to two great legends ,Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. His standing ovation by the audience was endless. The Legendary George Benson. (Photo Credits by S. Parris)
The beautiful Norah Jones is another gifted and talented artists doing what she does best. She has an amazing voice range and sold over 30 million albums this decade. That says alot for this young and talented ex-model making her Festival debut on the Amphitheater Stage at the Saratoga Jazz Festival and receiving a standing ovation for her beautiful performance. ( Photo Credits by L.Barnes)
The Beautiful Norah Jones (Photo Credits by S.Parris)
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave gracing the stage with so much spirit, depth, and power in their music. It was truly hard trying to keep up with them because of their high energy. Trombone Shorty also known as “Troy Andrews” is a multi-talented musician, producer, actor and philanthropist from New Orleans. Known for playing the trumpet, trombone, drums, tuba, and organ, Trombone Shorty can close out a show as he did at this year’s festival. He is what you need to close out an unforgettable and most memorable event.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave (Photo Credits L.Barnes)
