AARP Eye Center
Enjoy live outdoor music at the 25th anniversary Twin Cities Jazz Festival in St. Paul on June 23 and 24 (Friday and Saturday).
AARP Minnesota is the presenting sponsor of the free, family-friendly event, which takes place in the Lowertown Arts District and draws musicians from across the country. The festival includes two stages at Mears Park and one next to the nearby Saint Paul Farmers’ Market. Also, more than 15 venues in St. Paul will feature jazz during the festival weekend.
Headliners include Paquito D’Rivera with the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience, Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet, Christian McBride, and Davina and the Vagabonds. For the full schedule, go to twincitiesjazzfestival.com. With support from AARP, the festival will be streamed live.
Founded in 1999, the nonprofit festival is one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the upper Midwest. Founder and executive director Steve Heckler will retire after this year’s event; Dayna Martinez will take over.
Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, although coolers are discouraged. All festival venues are wheelchair-accessible.
For other AARP Minnesota events, visit aarp.org/MNevents.
—Mary Van Beusekom