6 PM:
Andrew Richards is a critically acclaimed contemporary vocalist, composer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Vermont, he spent 4 years in New York City recording and performing with some of the city's most prolific artists. From the vibrant sounds of southern Spain, the chaotic intimacy of NYC, and the rich folk traditions of his Irish heritage, Richard is “transcribing human experience into song.”
7:30 PM:
Joe's Big Band is an energetic 17-piece jazz ensemble based in the Burlington area that has been performing music ranging from Swing Era classics to contemporary Jazz, Blues, Latin, Rock and Funk for over 30 years. The band was founded in the late 1980s by local jazz musician Joe Levesque. Since his passing in 2004, Joe’s Big Band has carried on in his memory, evolving into the high-energy wall of sound it is today. Composed of talented, fun-loving musicians from all over the Champlain Valley, Joe’s Big Band faithfully reproduces the timeless sounds of jazz luminaries like Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespe, Gordon Goodwin, Bob Mintzer and Brian Setzer—with swagger. The band’s broad but carefully curated repertoire balances a great jazz listening experience with energetic popular tunes that get audiences up and onto the dance floor—in a Big Band Way!
Rhythm and groove come to the heart of the city from June 3-7 when Burlington City Arts (BCA) and the Church Street Marketplace team up to present Downtown Jazz as part of The Flynn's Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Enjoy four evenings of live, local music throughout Downtown Burlington. The bricks will be boppin' on the Church Street Marketplace with the return of the Top Block Stage from 6–9 PM on Wednesday, June 3, through Friday, June 6, and an extended lineup from 4–9 PM on Saturday, June 7. Wander down the Marketplace and take in jazz on College Street, a more intimate setting that pairs perfectly with dinner—grab a table at Leunig’s, Sweetwaters, or Ri Ra and enjoy live tunes from 6–8 PM, Wednesday through Saturday.
Midday performances round out the experience in City Hall Park, where BCA’s Summer Concert Series returns to jazz up your lunch hour on Wednesday and Friday from 12:30–1:30 PM.
Whether you’re strolling Church Street, dining al fresco, or taking a midday break in the park, Downtown Jazz offers countless ways to get into the groove of summer in the city!