Discovery Green to host new jazz festival: 'We aim to make this an eagerly anticipated annual event'

Discovery Green in Downtown Houston will host the Empire State Jazz Festival on June 24 from noon to 12 p.m., according to a press release. 

Festival organizers said in the release the event is a gathering of Grammy and Billboard award winners.

Per the release, this year’s artist lineup includes headliner Adam Hawley, whose known for his Billboard Smooth Jazz Song of the Year winning hit, “To the Top”; SJW AllStars; Ronnie Coleman Jr. & Merlot; Morgan's Damn Good Band; Stephen Richard; Jelando Johnson; Marcus Mitchell; Mr. Houston, Kiland Scott; Marvill; Tony Exum Jr.; S.O.A.R.; Jacob Webb and Vandell Andrew. 

"We are thrilled to present this exceptional gathering of world-class jazz musicians," festival founder Victor Allotey said in the release. "It's a celebration of jazz and an opportunity for families to create lasting memories. 

"We aim to make this an eagerly anticipated annual event," Allotey added.

Hosted by Terry Grossman and Donna Franklin and mainly sponsored by Empire State Jazz Café, Black Cotton Works, Nyammings Fusion Bistro, Discovery Green and Victor’s Victors Foundation, the festival will also feature food vendors, craft stalls and a slew of activities for jazz enthusiasts of all ages. 

Per the event’s website, tickets range from $40 to $700. 

Those who are interested in sponsoring, promoting or volunteering are encouraged to call (346) 561-3163. 

“Don’t miss this family-friendly event,” organizers said on the website.

According to the National Museum of American History’s website, jazz is a music genre in which improvisation is an integral part. 

With its origins traced to New Orleans, Louisiana, in the early 20th century, jazz evolved to include a variety of styles, including its traditional form, swing and bebop. 

It eventually found its way to other parts of the globe, the website said, earning a reputation as one of the U.S.’s greatest exports.

Sitting on 12 acres of land, Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney St., surrounded by La Branch Street to the west, McKinney Street to the north, Avenida de las Americas to the east and Lamar Street to the south.