Press

While Ludwig’s at The Sonnenalp channels a big city jazz club with intimate dinner performances starring internationally heralded artists on Wednesdays for the Vail Jazz Club Series and the Jazz Tent in Lionshead pulsates with the power of those artists backed by full bands on Thursdays for Vail Jazz @ Vail Square, Fridays and Sundays are the not-so-secret times to sample an array of high energy live music for free.

Sundays

For everyone: Unquestionably the place to be every Sunday, the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show wouldn’t be the colorful, all-sensory experience it is without its soundtrack of live jazz. Proving the vast breadth of sounds that fit under the jazz umbrella, Vail Jazz @ The Market showcases regional artists specializing in everything from dance-compelling salsa, harmonica-driven blues, electric violin and spiced up jazz standards. Follow your ears to the shaded tent at Solaris from 12 to 3 p.m. every Sunday from July 1 to Aug. 26. Take a load off for five minutes or three hours and soak up the invigorating sounds of Los Chicos Malos (July 1), blues duo Delta Sonics (July 8), BLT with Bob Rebholz + Liliane Murdoch (July 15), electric violin virtuoso Joe Deninzon + Friends (July 22), a special collaboration with the Vail International Dance Festival (July 29), R&B-flavored Robert Johnson & The Mark Diamond trio (Aug. 5), local vocal/piano force Kathy Morrow + DZ (Aug. 12), the worldly sounds of Fortunato (Aug. 19) and progressive blues with Wayne Wilkinson Trio (Aug. 26).

For kids: Do you have a tyke that’s been displaying telltale signs of musical talent? Bring her/him to the Jazz Tent at Solaris at 11 a.m. for a 45-minute interactive course in simple harmony. Under the instruction of legendary local pianist and educator Tony Gulizia, Jammin’ Jazz Kids invites children between ages 4 and 12 to tap out rhythms and beats on xylophones, drums and a host of other fun instruments.

For adults: If it’s more of a lounge-y, cocktail sipping vibe you’re after, local duo Tony Gulizia and Brian Loftus are joined by a host of guest artists every Sunday evening at 8 p.m. for free live music by the name of Vail Jazz @ The Remedy in Four Seasons Resort Vail. The swanky sounds of BLT have a two-decade track record of enriching evenings no matter where you are.

Fridays

For everyone: Because it proven to be such a wildly popular way for TGIFers of all ages to kick off their weekend, Vail Jazz @ The Riverwalk is happening every Friday this summer in Edwards. Food and drink vendors open at 5 p.m. and free live music kicks off on the lawn at 6 p.m. The red hot lineup brings in an eclectic mix of award-winning regional acts that span numerous genres but are all proven party starters: gospel queen Hazel Miller (July 6) Brazilian rhythm kings Ginga (July 13), swinging vintage band Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles (July 20), soulful songstress Ayo Awosika (July 27), brassy blues swingers Red Young & His Hot Horns (Aug. 3), West African funk with Paa Kow (Aug. 10), 12-piece salsa Quemando (Aug. 17) and swing-funk organ trio Claxton, Kovalcheck and Amend (Aug. 24). It’s the perfect excuse for a picnic … and/or an outdoor dance party.

Fourth of July parade

Ignited by the theme of America’s Great Outdoors, Tony Gulizia, Brian Loftus and revolving guests fire off the tune of jazz’s hottest trailblazers from atop the Vail Jazz float. Expect to hear classics from Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and a slew of other pioneers who paved the path of musicians worldwide over the last 100 years.