The Duck Jazz Festival presented by PNC Bank returns to Duck Town Park with live jazz music featuring regional, national and international artists, October 8-9, 2022. This annual event is free, non-ticketed and open to the public thanks to generous support from presenting sponsor PNC Bank, grant organizations and sponsor support from local businesses.
The Town Green stage, Amphitheater and Town Hall buildings provide opportunities for musicians and attendees to interact during performances and at meet-and-greet areas on the grounds.
The originally planned 2020 Duck Jazz Festival took its theme, “Think Globally, Act Locally,” from the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Event organizers have retained the theme for 2022, bringing artists with jazz sounds from all over the world alongside North Carolina-based groups. This year’s event will share Duck’s sustainable vision with all festival attendees, so visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and make use of recycling facilities.
Saturday’s kick-off event, a Concert on the Green, will be held in conjunction with a sponsor reception in the Duck Town Park. North Carolina-based La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet will perform from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The evening will end with an informal live jam at The Blue Point where attendees can mingle with performers and enjoy musical improvisation.
Sunday’s full day of music begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues until dusk, alternating between two stages in the Duck Town Park. Chicago-based Bassel & The Supernaturals will start the day on the main stage on the Duck Town Green. Banda Magda will bring her gorgeous vocals and her band’s global perspective to the stage. The John Jorgenson Quintet will showcase string-driven swing created by Django Reinhardt. The U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble will end the main stage acts as the sun sets. The Amphitheater Stage will feature homegrown artists Devin Frazier and THRIO along with the Eric Williams Quintet. The First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band will also perform and have opportunities to meet the other festival performers.
Various community events are planned leading up to the festival. Pre-festival events include a morning kids’ story time with rhythm lessons by a guitarist and singer Thurs., Oct. 6, and a family Movie on the
Green Friday evening Oct. 7. Jazz also moves to the schools Fri., Oct. 7, with the annual jazz and chorus workshop for Dare & Currituck County students, led by Gregg Gelb of the La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet.
Follow us on social media and at DuckJazz.com to learn about jazz-themed events and promotions held by local businesses both before and after the festival. Be sure to make your plans now for the Duck Jazz Festival!