Pittsfield CityJazz Festival

The goals of the Pittsfield CityJazz Festival are twofold:

• to present traditional, mainstream, and contemporary Jazz in an urban setting, and thereby contribute to the renaissance of downtown Pittsfield; and
• to enhance students’ overall educational experience by introducing and presenting Jazz in an educational setting.

Both of these objectives are realized in the schools and on the concert stage.

Now entering its fourth year, the Festival activities comprise concerts with headline attractions of international renown; free performances at restaurants and other venues all around Pittsfield; documentary films; and a major Educational Component that brings ‘live’ performances into Pittsfield schools. The Pittsfield CityJazz Festival is a collaboration of several organizations, including:

• Cultural Pittsfield (the city’s Office of Cultural Development),
• The Berkshire Music School (co-sponsor and Fiscal Agent),
• and other business and cultural institutions.

The Festival committee consists of educators, musicians, administrators, and fans … just about every walk of life and every element of the Jazz community. With the support of grants and donations, ticket prices for headline events can be kept accessible to residents and tourists alike, and the festival can continue to present both Jazz Masters and up-and-coming talent. Additionally, regionally-based professional musicians can continue the Festival’s commitment to bring Jazz into schools throughout the City.