Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival Returns for a Weekend of Music and Community Celebration

Myrtle Beach Welcomes Back the Jazz Festival!

This weekend, the sound of smooth jazz and delicious aromas are filling the air in Myrtle Beach! Yes, you guessed it right—the 10th Annual Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival is back in full swing at Charlie’s Place. Fans of good music and tasty food are in for a treat!

A Celebration of Unity

The festival kicked off on Friday and already feels like a big family reunion! Founder Mickey James shared his vision for the event, stating, “I want the festival to be about unity and also about celebrating the area’s rich African American history.” There’s something incredibly special about this place, especially for the African American community who gathered here during the 40s and 50s during the tough times of integration. Mickey emphasized, “It’s a very historical area for Blacks during the 50s and the 60s.”

But let’s be clear—this festival is for everyone! Mickey is encouraging all residents and visitors to grab their lawn chairs, kick back, and enjoy the incredible music while exploring a variety of vendors. It’s all about coming together and sharing in the love for music, culture, and community!

Vendors from Near and Far

Speaking of vendors, one particular vendor is making waves this year! George Blanton made the trek all the way from Chicago for the first time with his business, Chicago Eats. He expressed how seamless the trip felt—“Me and my dad, without even thinking about it, just came straight down here,” he said. George couldn’t be happier with his experience so far. “The people are welcoming. Great vibes. Great energy,” he added. It looks like Myrtle Beach is making quite an impression!

Travelers Unite!

It’s fascinating to see how far people will travel for this lovely festival. Mickey mentioned that folks are coming from all over the country—California, Virginia, Louisiana, and even Mississippi! “So, folks travel the whole country to come here,” said Mickey. Doesn’t that just warm your heart? It’s a beautiful example of unification through music!

One enthusiastic attendee, Shirnell Williams, made the trip from Washington, D.C. just for this occasion. “I wanted to come out to, you know, get connected to the culture, and I love jazz,” she stated. “I’m from D.C., so we always have a jazz festival there, and once I found out there was a jazz festival, I ran down. [I] couldn’t wait to get here.” Shirnell is just one of many who feel the same spirit of excitement.

Join the Fun! It’s Free!

If you weren’t able to make it out on Friday night, don’t fret! The festival is just getting started. It will roll on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 2 PM each day, and the best part? Admission is free! So, gather up your friends, family, and anyone who loves a good time. Bring your lawn chairs, unwind, and soak in the incredible tunes!

This festival isn’t just a gathering; it’s a celebration of music, culture, and community. What’s not to love? Don’t miss out on the good vibes and unforgettable moments this weekend in Myrtle Beach!