SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield’s culture and musical history are being brought to life this weekend for the 11th annual Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival.
Free ice cream for kids that recite the Pledge of Allegiance at these Massachusetts locations This festival that is produced by Blues To Green, harnesses music and the arts to celebrate community and culture, build shared purpose, and catalyze social and environmental change.
The sounds of jazz music echoed throughout the city of Springfield on Wednesday evening kicking off the highly anticipated Jazz & Roots Festival this week and the fun doesn’t stop there. Kristin Neville, Executive Director of Blues to Green told 22News that this three day festival is jam packed with local, regional and national acts.
“We have about 14 bands, and launching things will be the Community Music School of Springfield and then some young jazz visionaries and a tribute to jazz legends Sonny Stitt. Also there is a dance workshop at the MLK center on Rutland Street,” said Neville.
This second line dancing workshop allows the community to experience the vibrant tradition of second line dance. Second line dancing originates from West African circle dances brought to New Orleans by enslaved Africans, and evolved into a celebration of community, music, and dance. The city of Springfield will have their own second line dance parade stepping off the steps of city hall.
“It’s a parade we do that they do New Orleans and we have the young kids with us and we have entertainers with us. So we have colorful umbrellas and we’re marching in and step in and we marched to Stearns Square and I love doing that,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
Springfield Comic Con is also taking place in Springfield this weekend. This two day comic book convention will have comic creators, vendors, artists, and cosplayers coming from near and far.
“People come from all over dressed in their favorite characters down to the MassMutual Center, and they have a great time and obviously they spend the money, so it’ll be a lot of foot traffic in downtown Springfield.”
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