Founded in 1978 by the late jazz impresario George Wein, the Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America.
The 48th annual Saratoga Jazz Festival, presented by GE Vernova, will take place at the beautiful Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29.
Legendary Festival producer Danny Melnick and SPAC President and trumpeter Christopher Shiley joined WBGO's Doug Doyle to talk about the two-day, two stage event.
Both Melnick and Shiley are excited about this year's star-studded lineup that Gary Clark Jr., Gary Bartz, Trombone Shorty, Gregory Porter, Lettuce, Cassandra Wilson, Cory Wong, Nicole Zuraitis, Artemis, Al Di Meola, Michel Camilo. Kenny Garrett Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez and many others.
Melnick says the demand to play at this festival continues to increase.
"The history of Saratoga and the festival itself is so important to us because we've had such an incredibly dedicated fanbase for all these years, but the same time, we're always trying to make sure the Saratoga festival is fresh and that we're appealing to a younger audience. So, it's this great balance between history, legacy and making sure we know what we're doing now. The way I look at this festival lineup is that I have this jigsaw puzzle that all the pieces have to fit in nicely. Chris and I work closely together all year round talking about the artists."
Shiley has been the SPAC President for less than six months, but he knows how special the venue and the festival.
"The history of this festival is incredible and a loyal audience that's been coming to the festival year after year. It's always special when the festival comes back and were walking the grounds and we're seeing people who can recount their first time here. Anytime you have that kind of legacy to look at that's a really special component to any festival these days. Musically, it's a festival that has, throughout its history, stayed true to putting the artists and the music first. Danny has done a brilliant job and it's been such a pleasure to work with him in creating a lineup that doesn't just have a big headliner but really is kind of a cohesive lineup from top to bottom that works together."
The 2025 festival also marks the beginning of SPAC’s new partnership with lead festival sponsor GE Vernova. The two organizations will embark on a five-year partnership, with $200,000 committed from GE Vernova for each year, ensuring the vibrancy and longevity of Saratoga Jazz Festival.
You can get more information about the Saratoga Jazz Festival and lineup here.
You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Danny Melnick and Christopher Shiley below.
