The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the eponymous late saxophonist returns for its 32nd year for a three-day celebration of free live jazz performances in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Every year, premiere jazz musicians who reflect Parker’s musical vision assemble to honor the highly influential and world-renowned artist. This year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists.  Before the festival proper, partner events across the city will celebrate jazz with film screenings, acoustic performances, after parties and much more.

Schedule:

5:00 p.m: TSQ Live Plus Jazz at Lincoln Center: Antonio Hart Quartet at Times Square Broadway and 46th St.
Percussionist Pablo Rosario is held in high regard for his versatility and his accomplished career. In addition to having worked closely with many of the great bands of Latin music, including those of Mongo Santamaria, Willie Colon, Larry Harlow, and Batacumbele, "El Indio" had a long run as a freelance NYC session musician. Best known for his many appearances on David Bowie’s albums, also a natural educator and mentor, his small-group performances have, in recent years, centered the legacies of Santamaria, Colon and Cal Tjader, here supplemented by the work of Charlie Parker. This event is free; first come, first serve.

All Ages
Free

6:30 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Film Screening: Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, Performance: T.K. Blue and "Planet Bluu" at Jackie Robinson Bandshell
In association with NYC Parks Arts, Culture, and Fun and the Jazz Foundation of America

6:30 p.m - Concert
8:00 p.m - Screening

Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (2023)
The post-colonial struggle for Congo’s resources, told from the unique perspective of Andrée Blouin, a neglected pioneer of female emancipation and independence throughout Africa.
United Nations, 1960: the Global South ignites a political earthquake, jazz musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach crash the Security Council, Nikita Khrushchev bangs his shoe, and the U.S. State Department swings into action, sending jazz ambassador Louis Armstrong to the Congo to deflect attention from the CIA-backed coup. Director Johan Grimonprez explores a moment when jazz, colonialism, and espionage collided, constructing a riveting historical rollercoaster that illuminates the political machinations behind the 1961 assassination of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. The result is a revelatory documentary richly illustrated by eyewitness accounts, official government memos, testimonies from mercenaries and CIA operatives, speeches from Lumumba himself, and a veritable canon of jazz icons. Sundance award winner Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat interrogates colonial history to tell an urgent and timely story that resonates more than ever in today’s geopolitical climate.

Director: Johan Grimonprez
Producers: Daan Milius and Remi Grellety
Co-Producers Katja Draaijer and Frank Hoeve

T.K. Blue and "Planet Bluu"
Saxophonist, flautist, percussionist, composer and bandleader T.K. Blue–perhaps best known for his long run as musical director, saxophonist for Dr. Randy Weston’s African Rhythms–has also worked with greats like Little Jimmy Scott, Sam Rivers, Chico Hamilton, and Abdullah Ibrahim; released more than a dozen albums as a leader; and done three State Department tours of Africa.

All Ages
Free
This event is free, first come, first served.