This year’s annual spring jazz festival in Villa Rica will have something new this year – as well as feature a renowned saxophonist and several local talents.
The seventh iteration of the event is now known as the West Georgia Jazz and Arts Festival, and will take place Saturday, April 27, from 4-10 p.m. at The MILL amphitheater, located at 106 Temple St.
Headlining the free, rain-or-shine event this year will be international jazz artist Tom Braxton, who Jazz Review has called “one of smooth jazz’s most prolific saxophonists … with all the required tools to become a major force.”
He has been featured in concerts from Africa and Japan, while his music is heard on a variety of platforms. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, he has shared the stage with such artists as Lee Ritenour, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and many others. His signature sound incorporates elements of jazz, Latin, Funk, and R&B.
The jazz festival was inaugurated in 2016 and has been conducted annually except for the pandemic year. It was intended to echo the famed New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, an eight-day event in Louisiana that will overlap Villa Rica’s more modest event.
In addition to the music, event planners this year have added an arts festival, featuring arts and crafts vendors from around the area. Their tents and tables will be in the vicinity of the amphitheater.
Also, various artists and other entertainers will take the Thomas A. Dorsey stage during the afternoon of fun and music. Here’s the lineup:
- 4 p.m. – Saxophonist or house music
- 4:30 p.m. – Majorettes #1
- 5 p.m. – VRHS Jazz Ensemble #1
- 5:30 p.m. – Majorettes #2
- 5:40 pm. – VRHS Jazz Ensemble #2
- 6 p.m. – Opening act: Boom Town
- 7 p.m.– Changeover
- 730 p.m. – Tom Braxton
The event is being sponsored by Villa Rica tourism and Villa Rica Main Street.
Although the event is free, tables and spaces close to the stage can be reserved through Freshtix.com .
Alcohol is ONLY allowed at Main Street Sponsored events when alcohol is purchased within the downtown Entertainment District and placed in the plastic cup with the Main Street logo. These cups will be provided by the establishments within the district (Hixtown, UnCorked on Main, and Los Cowboys). Alcohol in any container other than the Main Street plastic cup will not be permitted.
Coolers are allowed at The MILL Amphitheater and must not be larger than a six-can cooler (five Quarts).
No smoking or vaping or tobacco use of any kind is permitted in the green space. Pets are also prohibited at The MILL Amphitheater, but registered working animals are allowed.
Low-profile chairs and blankets can be set up on the day of the show. No umbrellas or tents are allowed in the area in the spectator area.
For questions please contact the Villa Rica Main Street Office: 678-840-1230
