Clifford Brown Jazz Festival to Feature Grammy Winners in Week-long DE250 Celebration on Rodney Square

WILMINGTON - In celebration of Wilmington's DE250 commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the City of Wilmington and Cityfest, Inc. will present the 39th Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, expanding the East Coast's largest free jazz festival into a week-long celebration, August 2-8, in Rodney Square. The festival honors Wilmington native Clifford Brown, whose extraordinary musicianship continues to inspire generations of jazz artists around the world.

This year's headliners include jazz legend and multi-Grammy Award winner Marcus Miller; Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi; international sensation KES the Band, whose electrifying blend of soca, reggae, R&B and pop has earned worldwide acclaim; Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton; Grammy Award nominee Jonathan Butler; and the incomparable Sheila E. and the E-Train.

Local and regional performers will include Matt La Von, E. Shawn Qaissaunee, and Mike Boone. The complete festival lineup, daily schedule, artist information, and festival updates are available at cliffordbrownjazzfest.org [us.list-manage.com].

Food trucks, merchandise vendors, live painting inspired by festival performances, and the spontaneous reunions of friends, neighbors, and jazz lovers from across the region round out this week-long celebration. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an unforgettable musical experience. Please leave umbrellas and tents at home. Before each Main Stage performance, audiences are invited to enjoy Jersey Surf's Mobile Music Lab, featuring interactive drum circles, hands-on percussion activities, and musical experiences for all ages.

"For nearly four decades, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival has brought world-class artists and thousands of music lovers to the heart of Wilmington," said Mayor John Carney. "As part of Wilmington's DE250 celebration, this year's expanded week-long festival showcases not only extraordinary music, but the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that define our city."

"Each year, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival reminds us that great music has the power to bring people together," said Tina Betz, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs and President of Cityfest, Inc. "This year, as part of Wilmington's DE250 celebration, we're excited to expand the festival into a full week that honors Brownie's legacy while welcoming new audiences to experience everything our city has to offer.

See the table below for each day's start times at the music lab and main stage: