By Rich Larson
The Third Annual Northfield Jazz Festival will return July 10–12, bringing a wide range of world-class jazz performances and educational opportunities to venues across the city. Founded by Northfield native and internationally recognized trombonist J.C. Sanford, the festival continues to grow while remaining free and accessible to the public.
Sanford, who built a career in New York City performing, composing and conducting, said the idea for the festival emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to create community-centered arts programming. Now back in his hometown, he has focused on building an event that highlights both local talent and globally recognized artists.
“It seemed like something people didn’t know they wanted until it was here,” Sanford said.
This year’s festival begins Friday night with a kickoff dance party at the Grand Event Center featuring the Strawberry Jazz Collective alongside Ben and the River Big Band. Saturday’s programming spans multiple downtown locations, including performances at the Northfield Public Library and The Northfield Arts Guild Theater. Highlights include a duo performance by vocalist Judy Vinar and percussionist Dave Stanoch and a trio led by Twin Cities pianist Dale Alexander.
A centerpiece of the festival is a Saturday evening concert by Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands at the UCC Church, which Sanford described as one of the region’s premier concert venues due to its high-quality piano. Sands will also host an afternoon masterclass, part of the festival’s growing educational focus.
Sunday’s events return to Way Park, featuring performances by pianist Michael Cain’s trio, a tango ensemble led by Charles Gorczynski, and Sanford’s own jazz orchestra. The weekend concludes with a jam session at Imminent Brewing.
Sanford emphasized the diversity of styles audiences can expect, ranging from traditional jazz to blues-influenced, contemporary, and “jazz-adjacent” genres.
“The idea is to have enough variety that everyone can find something they connect with,” he said.
The festival is largely funded through state arts grants, allowing organizers to keep most events free. Sanford said the goal is to bring high-level live music directly to Northfield rather than requiring residents to travel.
“It’s world-class music you can just walk to see,” he said.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
