Now going into its seventh year, the Arlington Jazz Festival, taking place April 26 thru 29 at venues throughout town, has become a true community event, the first year as an official non-profit organization. Offering seven events over four days, many of them free to the public, the ACC grant enables low ticket prices for ticketed events to encourage more participation from Arlington residents and surrounding communities. In particular, two events were funded through this grant. First the Saturday night performance at Artlounge Arlington by Boston area musicians followed by an open jam session where anyone can participate; second, a masterclass led by festival headliner, international jazz star John Patitucci, at Town Hall before the final performance.
The Festival has made an effort to keep itself as inclusive and diverse as possible, offering performance opportunities to local teens, Arlington-based amateur and professional musicians, and Boston area musicians as well.