Latest news with #2025JacksonvilleJazzFestival
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Jazz Fest gates delayed for hours, artist no longer performing
The Jacksonville Jazz Fest announced that its gate delay Sunday afternoon will extend into the evening. Organizers said they made the decision due to thunderstorms in the area. Duval had a severe thunderstorm warning issued at least once Sunday afternoon. INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood Connie Han will also no longer be performing. The gate opening times are subject to change depending on the weather. 'The safety of all guests and performers is our top priority,' said organizers on social media. Related: Know before you go: 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for weather updates: Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jacksonville businesses see boost from Jazz Fest After Dark, despite concerns over new venue
Music lovers are filling The Elbow in downtown Jacksonville this weekend as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival continues into the night with its After Dark event. While the festival has drawn strong crowds, not everyone is thrilled with the event's new location. Action News Jax reporter Nicholas Brooks was downtown Saturday night and reported long lines at local businesses. He spoke with several business owners who said the festival has brought a noticeable increase in foot traffic and sales. 'Yesterday was profitable. Let's see how the rest of this weekend goes because last year was pretty freaking good,' said Julia Cordero, manager of The Circuit, a new business participating in the event. Cordero added that Friday night saw a steady stream of customers. 'We had a lot of people come in here. We had a couple bands playing.' Bands are set to perform at venues throughout The Elbow during the After Dark portion of the festival, offering a boost to nearby businesses. Related: See the full After Dark performance schedule Earlier in the day, music filled the air as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival kicked off from its new location at Tailgater's Lot in the city's Sports & Entertainment District. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Despite the distance from the original downtown setup, some businesses farther from the main venue reported strong customer turnout. 'We had a steady flow of people coming in and out. It's also been a pretty good turnout as well,' said Nick Colston, an employee at That Bar at the Arena. Other local establishments echoed the sentiment, saying they typically see increased profits when events are held in town. However, not all attendees are pleased with the festival's relocation. The festival said the move was due to them expecting a larger crowd than Metropolitan Park can handle, and other previous venues being currently preoccupied with construction. Some longtime festivalgoers said they preferred previous downtown sites, citing convenience. 'I did like the other location a lot,' said Dolly Singleton. 'I love the location, but it's not the best location,' said William Steele. For those who haven't attended yet, Sunday is the last chance to enjoy this year's Jazz Fest. Related: Know before you go: 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jacksonville unveils plans for $5.5 million Music Heritage Park
A major transformation is on the way for Jacksonville's downtown riverfront. The area behind the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts will soon become home to Music Heritage Park — a $5.5 million project designed to honor the city's deep musical roots. 'Music is absolutely the biggest liberator I know,' said Nicholas Puzo, better known as DJ 'NICKFRESH.' Puzo is one of 21 members of Jacksonville's Wall of Fame Committee, which helped select 30 musical artists to be featured in the new park. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'I think they still have an impact. I think it is a wonderful thing we are getting a chance to celebrate the history. Sometimes we are known for something else,' Puzo said. The park will celebrate musicians with ties to Jacksonville, including Ray Charles, Tim McGraw, Lynyrd Skynyrd, James Weldon Johnson, and John Rosamond Johnson. 'They've sharpened their skills and moved on to bigger things. A lot of them are from here. They died here,' Puzo added. Read: Know before you go: 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival The Downtown Investment Authority plans to include a nightly projection show and interactive art installations that highlight Jacksonville's musical history. The project is currently in the design phase, with an expected opening in Spring 2026. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
