This fall marks the tenth anniversary of Kentucky’s jazz festival. The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival originally took place in Old Fort Harrod State Park, in Harrodsburg, Ky. While the event has moved around the state throughout the years, this year’s celebration will once again take place in its original location.
The Kentucky Jazz Festival is a free-entry event that includes music, food and a time of recognition with other jazz lovers. For eight years and counting, Asbury University’s jazz ensemble has been a participant in the competition.
“Primarily made up of students and a number of community members, our jazz ensemble is a combination,” said Dr. Glen Flanigan, Professor of Music Education and Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble Director. “It is about a 20-piece band, and in our part of the festival, we do a set of music on Sunday afternoon. This will be our first performance of the academic year.”
While the style of jazz influences many people, Flanigan remarks on the impact that it provides in a spiritual way.
“People love the music and they love to be a part of the culture that jazz offers. In our case, we love to use this type of music as a vehicle that people enjoy, as a spiritual outreach. We have chances to perform all around the area, and to have the outreach possibility is what we strive for,” said Flanigan.
With free entry and opportunities, the Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival will be taking place Sept. 20-22. Asbury University’s jazz ensemble will be performing a set of songs on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2:40 p.m.
