Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (June 15th-18th, 2021)

Rodney Square

THE FESTIVAL 

The first multi-day jazz festival was held in 1988 on the open lawn in the center of the city.  Taking the name of Wilmington’s Clifford Brown several years later, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival has grown into the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast. The City of Wilmington, city residents and people from around the region, nation, and world are preparing for the annual festival that highlights the life and musical achievements of one of the most brilliant trumpet players, innovative composers and dynamic entertainers.

The multi-day celebration of the music, culture, and art of jazz takes place in Wilmington’s Rodney Square, located just a few short blocks away from “Brownie’s” childhood home and features jazz artists from all over the world.

The mission of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is to expose, inspire, and entertain a diverse audience of Jazz aficionados, young Jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians to the rich heritage and variety of Jazz as an authentic form of American music. The CBJF provides access to arts and culture to over 20,000 residents and visitors every year as we honor the memory and legacy of Clifford Brown. Wilmington’s hotels, restaurants and other businesses are beneficiaries of thousands of out-if-town visitors.

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is produced by the City of Wilmington Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. It is FREE and open to the public. The CBJF is funded through the support of corporate sponsorships as to Cityfest, Inc., a non-profit entity dedicated to the enrichment of Wilmington’s artistic energy and cultural vibrancy.

CLIFFORD BROWN

At the age of 25, Clifford Brown had already left an indelible mark on jazz. Poised to take his place among the premier jazz trumpeters of his time such as Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie come to mind. His legacy lives on and we are proud to acknowledge Clifford Brown as one of Wilmington, Delaware’s most influential and prodigious talent.

For more information about the festival, hotel packages, line up and more  visit: cliffordbrownjazzfest.org