Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival

The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is a one day jazz festival held annually since 2003 in Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue District downtown. It is presented by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Urban Impact. Leah Tucker, executive director of the Jazz Hall of Fame chairs the festival. In addition to music, the event offers food, swing dance lessons and exhibits, as well as films in the Carver Theatre (as part of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival). The festival features nationally known jazz artists and local jazz artists.

2007 Performers

The 2007 festival was held on September 29 and about 6,000 were estimated to have attended. It began with an opening parade at Kelly Ingram Park with Mayor Bernard Kincaid and Councilman William Bell officiating. Music started at 2:00 pm and continued until midnight. Performers included Jose Carr, The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Youth Ensemble, Jerome Chapman, vocalist Annie Sellick with Ray Reach and Cleveland Eaton, Foxxy Fatts & Co, Gary Motley, Dee Lucas, Ronnie Laws, Debra Laws, Donald Witherspoon as "Billy Ocean" and the Birmingham Heritage Band. The festival also featured work by urban artists, a swing tent, and a re-creation of the Little Savoy Juke Joint.

The 2006 festival was held on September 23, the same weekend as the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. It kicked off with a New Orleans style parade at 1:00 PM and continued with the New Orleans All-Stars, Tommy Stewart, Ray Reach and Friends, Foxxy Fatts & Co, Cleveland Eaton, Rolando Matias & the Afro Rican Ensemble featuring Bobby Matos, Johnny O'Neal, Eric Essix, Dee Lucas, the Birmingham Heritage Band, and Donald Witherspoon as "Billy Ocean." Other activities included a swing-dancing tent, a children's area, and food and gift vendors.

Singleton, William C. (September 30, 2007) "Jazz lovers get a full taste at 4th Avenue Festival." Birmingham News.