September 19, 2025

Lexington Hosts Inaugural Equinox Jazz Festival

Lexington, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Lexington will celebrate its 250th anniversary with the first-ever Equinox Jazz Festival from September 17 to 21, featuring diverse jazz performances across the city. Mayor Linda Gorton praises the festival as a valuable addition to the celebrations. Organized by the Origins Jazz Series, the festival aims to honor jazz heritage and showcase emerging talent, with events including live music, film screenings, and expert panels to enrich audience appreciation. Ticket prices are designed to be accessible for a wide audience.

Lexington is set to host its first-ever Equinox Jazz Festival as part of the city’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The festival will occur from September 17 to September 21, 2025, featuring a diverse lineup of jazz performances at various venues throughout the city. The event is designed to celebrate not just the past of jazz but also its ongoing influence and future potential.

Mayor Linda Gorton has expressed her enthusiasm for the festival, highlighting it as a significant addition to the commemorative events organized for the city’s founding in 1775. The Equinox Jazz Festival is presented by the Origins Jazz Series, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Lexington’s jazz scene. Founders Chester Grundy, Eli Uttal-Veroof, and Richard Young emphasize the festival’s goal to illuminate jazz’s rich heritage while also showcasing emerging talent.

The festival promises an engaging experience for both seasoned jazz aficionados and newcomers. Attendees can look forward to performances by both well-established artists and up-and-coming musicians, reinforcing Lexington’s vibrant music community. The festival will include not only live music but also film screenings, expert panels, and listening sessions designed to enhance the audience’s understanding of jazz.

Most of the performances will take place at the iconic Kentucky Theater, with additional shows hosted by nearby venues. Ticket prices will be accessible, with some events available on a pay-what-you-can basis, while the headlining shows will range from $25 to $35. This pricing model aims to encourage broader participation in the festival and ensure that jazz remains an integral part of Lexington’s cultural landscape.

The legacy of jazz in Lexington is punctuated by notable past artists such as Les McCann, who was born in 1935 and had a remarkable six-decade career. A self-taught musician, McCann served in the Navy during the early 1950s, where he was influenced by jazz icons like Miles Davis and Erroll Garner. He formed the band Les McCann Ltd. and came into prominence as an artist signed to Pacific Jazz Records. His innovative use of electric piano and synthesizers, marked by his album “Layers,” set him apart in the jazz scene.

McCann performed alongside legends such as Ray Charles and Count Basie and made a significant impact on the industry when he signed with Atlantic Records in 1967. Beyond his musical achievements, he also left a mark as a talented photographer and watercolor artist, exhibiting his work at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival. McCann was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 88.

The Equinox Jazz Festival represents a vital celebration of jazz heritage and an opportunity to cultivate future talent in Lexington. It stands as a testament to the city’s deep-rooted connection to music, encouraging locals and visitors alike to engage with this timeless genre. More detailed information regarding ticket purchases and festival events can be found at originsjazz.org/equinox-jazz-festival.

FAQ

When is the Equinox Jazz Festival taking place?

The festival will occur from September 17 to September 21, 2025.

Where will the performances be held?

Most of the performances will take place at the Kentucky Theater, with additional shows at nearby venues throughout Lexington.

How much do tickets cost?

Some events will have a pay-what-you-can pricing model while headlining shows will be priced between $25 and $35.

What does the festival aim to achieve?

The festival aims to shed light on jazz’s heritage and future, showcasing both established artists and new talent.

Key Features of the Equinox Jazz Festival

Feature	Description
Dates	September 17 – September 21, 2025
Venue	Primarily Kentucky Theater with additional venues
Ticket Prices	Pay-what-you-can for some events; $25 – $35 for headliners
Events	Live performances, film screenings, expert talks, listening sessions
Major Influence	Legacy of local artists like Les McCann