Lexington, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The Equinox Jazz Festival will take place in Lexington, showcasing the rich diversity of jazz music. Organized by the Origins Jazz Series and VisitLEX, this festival marks a momentous occasion as the city approaches its 250th anniversary. Performances will spotlight prominent artists like Kenny Garrett and feature various jazz genres. With affordable ticket options, the festival aims to promote accessibility and community engagement. Local venues, primarily the Kentucky Theatre, will host unforgettable musical experiences from September 17-21, 2025.
Lexington
The Equinox Jazz Festival is set to take place from September 17-21, 2025, embracing the rich and diverse heritage of jazz music. The festival, collaboratively organized by the Origins Jazz Series and VisitLEX, signifies a notable celebration as Lexington gears up for its 250th anniversary. The event is designed to draw audiences not only from the local community and regional areas but also from tourists visiting Lexington.
Preparedness has marked the festival’s planning phase, with co-founders expressing excitement and a sense of readiness to welcome attendees. The festival will feature performances primarily at the Kentucky Theatre, ensuring a grand stage for both local and national artists. Highlighted performances will include celebrated saxophonist Kenny Garrett, known for his Grammy-winning contributions to jazz.
The lineup boasts a broad spectrum of jazz genres, such as hard bop, big band, vocal jazz, and free jazz improvisation. This eclectic mix ensures that audiences will experience various stylistic expressions of the jazz genre, appealing to all taste preferences. Other notable performers include vocalist Kandace Springs, who blends vocal jazz with blues influences, and Camille Thurman, a veteran of the Lincoln Center Orchestra. The festival also presents the Kansas State Generations Ensemble, combining gospel, blues, and classical influences under the leadership of Keith McCutchen.
For those interested in spontaneous musical creativity, a free jam session following the concert will feature the Origins All Stars along with Camille Thurman. Additionally, on September 20th, the Louisville-based Brazilian ensemble Brazukas will perform at the Farmer’s Market, offering free entertainment to attendees.
Ticket prices for the Equinox Jazz Festival are set at $125 for full access to all events, with individual concert pricing options available. Several performances will also include a “pay what you want” admission structure, making it more accessible to a diverse audience. Various venues throughout Lexington will host performances, promoting accessibility and community participation.
The festival is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the recognition of jazz within a city traditionally more associated with rock, country, and bluegrass music. Organizers anticipate that the Equinox Jazz Festival will become a historic representation of jazz’s cultural importance, contributing meaningfully to the local artistic landscape. This holistic approach underscores a philosophy of jazz as a living and evolving art form that resonates with contemporary audiences.
As the festival date approaches, the excitement is palpable among organizers and the community alike, eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmospheres and musical excellence that the Equinox Jazz Festival promises to deliver.
FAQ
When is the Equinox Jazz Festival taking place?
The festival is scheduled for September 17-21, 2025.
Where will the festival performances be held?
Performances will primarily take place at the Kentucky Theatre, along with other venues across Lexington.
How much do tickets for the festival cost?
Tickets are priced at $125 for the entire event, with options for individual concert pricing and “pay what you want” admission for certain performances.
What types of jazz music will be showcased at the festival?
The festival will showcase various jazz genres, including hard bop, big band, vocal jazz, and free jazz improvisation.
Key Festival Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 17-21, 2025 |
| Main Venue | Kentucky Theatre |
| Ticket Prices | $125 for full access; individual concert pricing available |
| Performers | Kenny Garrett, Kandace Springs, Camille Thurman, among others |
| Genres | Hard bop, big band, vocal jazz, free jazz improvisation |
| Free Events | Jam session featuring Origins All Stars; performance by Brazukas at Farmer’s Market |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- VisitLEX: Equinox Jazz Festival
- Smiley Pete: Fall Arts Guide – Festivals and Events
- Kentucky: Music News Review
- AntiMusic: Nate Smith Announces New Album and World Tour
- Kentucky: Music News Review 2
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- Google Search: Equinox Jazz Festival
- Google Scholar: Jazz Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Google News: Equinox Jazz Festival
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
