Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis headlines Jacksonville Jazz Festival

There aren’t a lot of true jazz musicians whose names are recognized by non-jazz fans, but Wynton Marsalis probably qualifies, thanks to his trumpet and his passion for spreading music to the masses. So it’s no surprise that he will close out the first night of this year’s Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

What time does Wynton Marsalis play at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis is scheduled to play from 9:30-11 p.m. Friday, May 26, on the Swingin’ Stage at Riverfront Plaza.

Who is Wynton Marsalis?

The trumpeter is the second of six sons from one of New Orleans’ most famous jazz families; his first trumpet was a gift from the legendary Al Hirt. He’s played in groups with Art Blakey, his brother Branford and Jacksonville jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. In 1987, he started a Classical Jazz Series at the Lincoln Center in New York that led to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He’s won a Pulitzer Prize, a National Medal of the Arts and nine Grammy awards.

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What songs am I likely to know from Wynton Marsalis?

Marsalis tours with and without the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and varies his setlists based on his band, so it's difficult to predict what they'll play.

Has Wynton Marsalis ever played at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Yes, but it's been a minute. Marsalis was on the bill for the 1983 festival, which was held at Metropolitan Park.

Where is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be on two stages, just a few blocks apart along the banks of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.

The Swingin’ Stage will be at Riverfront Plaza, where the Jacksonville Landing used to stand. The Groovin’ Stage will be at Ford on Bay, a vacant space on Bay Street where the old Duval County Courthouse used to stand.

When is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

4-11 p.m. Friday, May 26; 4-11 p.m. Saturday, May 27; 4-10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28

How much are tickets to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

All shows at the festival are free. VIP packages with reserved seating are sold out for every festival day except Friday. They’re priced at $199.

What should I bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

• A credit or debit card: The festival is “cashless.”

• A chair or blanket: The festival does not provide seating, other than in VIP sections.

• A raincoat or umbrella: The festival is a rain-or-shine event.

• A bit of patience: Security will briefly check your bags as you enter the festival grounds, possibly causing delays.

• A comfortable pair of shoes: You can expect to do a good bit of walking and standing at the shows.

What can I not bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Large coolers, tents, beach umbrellas, pets, grills, alcohol, professional recording equipment, knives, guns, skateboards, golf carts, Frisbees, drones and laser pointers.

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What events are associated with the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

• The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, which pits five rising pianists against one another on the Florida Theatre stage, is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25.

• A pair of jazz clinics will be held at the Moran Theater on Saturday, May 27. The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will lead a clinic at 10 a.m. that day and jazz bassist Reuben Rogers will lead another at 1 p.m.

• An improvisational Jazz Jam will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 27, at One Enterprise, 225 Water St.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2023 lineup: Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis