New York City’s 33rd Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Ignites Harlem and East Village with Stellar Performances

New York City is currently alive with the vibrant sounds of jazz as the 33rd annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival commences, bringing a star-studded lineup and a series of dynamic events to Harlem and the East Village. This celebrated free festival, presented by Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, honors the enduring legacy of bebop pioneer Charlie “Bird” Parker, offering world-class music and fostering community spirit across the city.

The three-day main event runs from Friday, August 22nd, through Sunday, August 24th, setting stages in two historically significant locations: Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. These neighborhoods were integral to Parker’s life and groundbreaking career, adding a profound layer of meaning to each performance.

Celebrating a Jazz Icon’s Legacy

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival stands as a testament to the colossal impact of Charlie Parker, one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Known for his revolutionary improvisational vocabulary that defined bebop, Parker’s spirit continues to inspire generations of musicians. The festival aims to promote appreciation for his individuality and genius, meticulously curating a lineup that blends revered veteran players with the next generation of jazz artists. This unique combination ensures a rich and diverse musical experience, reflecting the evolution of jazz from its traditional roots to contemporary interpretations.

A Star-Studded Lineup Takes the Stage

The 2025 festival boasts an impressive array of talent, promising unforgettable performances for jazz enthusiasts. The festivities kicked off on Friday, August 22nd, at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem with a highly anticipated double bill featuring legendary bassist Ron Carter’s Great Big Band, alongside rising star April May Webb. This opening night, presented in partnership with Jazzmobile, set a high bar for the weekend’s music.

Saturday, August 23rd, also at Marcus Garvey Park, continued the powerful program with the esteemed Branford Marsalis Quartet, trumpet virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton, the accomplished Bertha Hope Quintet, and rising jazz vocalist Georgia Heers. DJ KulturedChild, also known as Angelika Beener, added to the vibrant atmosphere.

The festival culminates on Sunday, August 24th, in Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. The grand finale features the iconic, GRAMMY and Tony Award-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater performing with celebrated jazz pianist Bill Charlap, the brilliant saxophonist Gary Bartz and his influential group NTU Troop, and the noted NYC jazz ensemble The Jazz Gallery All-Stars. The Jazz Gallery All-Stars lineup includes formidable talents such as Miguel Zenón, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Renee Neufville, Melissa Aldana, Dabin Ryu, Ryoma Takenaga, and Charles Altura.

Beyond the Main Stages: Ancillary Events and Key Partnerships

In addition to the main concerts, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival extends its reach with a series of ancillary events that began earlier in the week, diving deeper into jazz culture. These include community cookouts, “Harlem Speaks” discussions, “Jazz in the Garden” acoustic performances, film screenings like “Soundtrack to a Coup d’État” paired with a performance by T.K. Blue and “Planet Bluu” at Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell, and various after-parties. These complementary programs enrich the festival experience, providing diverse opportunities to engage with the music and its history.

Much of the news surrounding the festival highlights the collaborative effort behind its success. WBGO, a prominent jazz station, serves as a significant media partner, with Brian Delp, host of WBGO’s Drive Time, having hosted the Sunday shows for two decades. The overarching organization behind the festival is the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage, which has been instrumental in bringing free music and art to New York City parks since 1989. Yunie Mojica, the Programming and Partnerships Manager for both SummerStage and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, plays a pivotal role in curating the diverse lineup, ensuring a blend of established and emerging talent that reflects Parker’s enduring influence.

A Cultural Cornerstone for New York City

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a vital cultural cornerstone for New York City. By offering free performances in accessible public parks, the festival fosters a sense of community, uniting people from all walks of life through a shared appreciation for jazz. It showcases the genre’s incredible diversity and richness, from traditional bebop to cutting-edge contemporary interpretations. As the 33rd installment unfolds, the event continues to celebrate Parker’s unparalleled legacy and reinforce New York City’s status as a global capital of jazz.