Jazz and Roots Festival celebrates community cultureDate: 8/1/2022 SPRINGFIELD – The smooth sounds of jazz and an eclectic array of talents will be featured at this year’s Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. The festival will take place on Aug. 12 and 13 in Stearns Square, with this year marking the first multi-day experience for the annual musical staple.
Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival Director Kristin Neville said that the gathering was created by the Blues to Green nonprofit organization nine years ago. As the founder of Blues to Green, Neville shared that music always remained a part of her life.
“It was inspired by being part of a musical family and being married to my husband, Charles Neville, saxophonist for The Neville Brothers band from New Orleans,” said Neville in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
While working with local youth arts organizations, Neville met Evan Plotkin. The two spearheaded the festival as the first program for Blues to Green.
Neville said Blues to Green and the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival serve as catalysts to enact positive social and environmental change through the creative canvas of music. She also aspires for the gathering to unite community members throughout Western Mass.
“I was inspired to use music to effect positive change … There are these divides between people. I want to try and bridge those divides and spotlight the cultural diversity of Springfield in a very positive light,” said Neville.
The festival supports a variety of local artists and represents music from communities of color. Neville stressed the importance of highlighting these genres as they possess a significant influence on modern music.
Neville shared that the festival also places a spotlight on Springfield as a community brimming with exciting offerings.
“It’s also helping to shine a positive spotlight on Springfield and what the city has to offer. By bringing visitors to the city, it can help with revitalization and supporting local businesses and artisans,” said Neville.
For the 2022 Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival, the two-day lineup includes a mix of hip-hop artists, like Tang Sauce, soul performers, like Linda Ransom + Trilogy and blues musicians. For Neville, the process for planning this year’s festival represents a return to normalcy after putting together a “last-minute” festival in 2021 amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’ve had more time this year, so that helps to get back to normal,” said Neville. Several changes that came with last year’s gathering, such as the festival’s move to Stearns Square and online registration process, will be seamlessly continued for 2022.
The Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival’s reach expands past musical offerings. The festival is unveiling a mural collaborated on by six local artists on Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. on Worthington Street. Neville said the mural will showcase several historical chapters for the city, including the first Peter Pan Bus and several images from Dr. Seuss’ beloved books.
On Aug. 13, the festival and muralist Betsy Casañas are also hosting a mural painting party that is open to the community. The collaborative mural will be based around climate justice and diversity. Neville aspires for both projects to further the festival’s celebration of art, culture and positive community change.
“We’re promoting awareness for climate advocacy and promoting a positive vision for the future,” said Neville.
Neville said the festival remains a free celebration but encourages interested participants to consider donating to the event. Funding for the festival relies upon individual contributions, grants and business sponsorships.
Readers interested in registering for free tickets, making a donation or learning more about the 2022 Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival can visit https://springfieldjazzfest.com/.
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