For 41 years, the streets of Old Sacramento and nearby downtown venues have played host to one of the area’s largest celebrations of music and its storied culture with a 4-day party that spans the entire Memorial Day weekend. It was originally called the Dixieland Jazz Jubilee, but changed its name to the Sacramento Music Festival to embrace other styles of music. But don’t worry; it still showcases an abundance of the classic Dixieland Jazz and swing music that put this event on the map.

Featuring non-stop live music being played by over 100 bands from Friday, May 23 to Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, past years have included dancing in the closed off streets of Old Sacramento, family friendly parades, lively swing dancing, late night “jam” sessions open to all levels of musicians, and on the final day, a ceremony honoring fallen and living veterans as well as active service members.

According to sacmusicfest.com, the event’s webpage, the purpose of the event is to support the preservation of traditional jazz, “America’s greatest original art form”, so expect jazz and blues influences on much of the music.

Headliners include Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on the opening night, singer-songwriter Matt Kearney on May 24, and 1990s alternative band Collective Soul on May 25.

This year’s lineup also features more than 100 bands playing in Old Sacramento and in venues located around the Sacramento Convention Center. The event’s website has the full lineup available as well as the daily schedules. Many events are free and all day event passes can be purchased for entry into all the paid events.

For more information contact event organizers at (916) 444-2004 or check the sacmusicfest.com website.

Steven can be reached at [email protected]