2018 marks the 5th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots, a free festival that brings together thousands of people in the Northeast to celebrate jazz music and culture. Charles Neville of New Orleans’ world famous Neville Brothers, along with his wife, Kristin, were instrumental in the festival’s production. After Hurricane Katrina, Kristin Neville was amazed by the parallels between Springfield and New Orleans. She was inspired to co-found this festival to celebrate the diversity, culture and talent present in the Springfield community.

Charles Neville volunteered at the Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) and founded their Brass Band Camp. He passed away this spring from pancreatic cancer, leaving Springfield (along with New Orleanians and jazz enthusiasts alike) sorely missing his vivacious spirit and musical talent. The 2018 Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival will honor his legacy of musicianship, compassion and equality.

The festival’s main stage kicks off at 11 a.m. on August 11 with Springfield vocalist Wanda Houston. Later performances include Latin music, jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, funk, rock and acapella. At 4 p.m., a second line parade will gather in front of the Community Music School of Springfield to celebrate the life of Charles Neville.  

“JazzFest has become the city’s signature cultural event bringing thousands of people together in our vibrant downtown to celebrate Springfield’s diversity” Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

On August 10 at 6 p.m., the evening before the festival, award-winning musician and educator Rochelle Rice will offer an educational performance titled “And We Shall March: Music of the 1963 March on Washington” that integrates Neville’s belief in the synonymy between music and education.

Visit celebratingcharles.org for more information on how Charles Neville’s legacy continues to inspire.