Here’s something jazz fans never wanted to hear: The Monterey Jazz Festival won’t happen this year.
It’s the first time in the event’s 60-plus years of existence that the festival has been canceled or, as organizers are labeling it, postponed until next year. Call it what you want. The result is the same: Jazz fans won’t be spending the weekend at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in 2020.
The news is not unexpected, given the continued statewide restrictions on large gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events and festivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But it still doesn’t make it any easier to hear.
“(The year) 2020 is my 30th year as part of the Monterey Jazz Festival family and I am deeply saddened to come to the realization that this year’s festival is not be,” says Tim Jackson, the festival’s artistic director. “We must recognize our current world situation and put the health and safety of our artists, patrons, staff and volunteers first.”
Colleen Bailey, the festival’s executive director, underscores that this was the right decision to make.
“We think of our artists, patrons and volunteers as a part of our MJF family,” Bailey says. “We make this difficult choice as a way of protecting those we hold dear. But while we eagerly await the chance to be with you again and enjoy the moments that can only be experienced as a community, we promise that we will use this time productively to develop new ideas that will bring the festival back next year.”
The festival, which was originally set for Sept. 25-27, had an incredible lineup of talent, including Herbie Hancock, Buddy Guy, Terri Lyne Carrington, Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Miho Hazama, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Lila Downs, Brian Blade and George Benson.
“I am extremely proud of the artistic programming that was planned for this year,” Jackson says. “It would have been exciting, diverse and fun, with both forward motion and respect for legacy and history, which is a Monterey tradition. It is my hope to present the majority of our 2020 artists next year. Meanwhile, we will be working diligently to bring you exciting new programs and content virtually over the following months, while we build for next year’s festival, scheduled for Sept. 24-26, 2021.”
Those who bought tickets for the 2020 festival have three options: Donate the value of their tickets to the festival; transfer tickets to next year’s festival; or request a full refund by July 17.
The wonderful @sterngrovefest cancels festival for the first time in its 83-year history. https://t.co/4Exi55Fahk
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) May 14, 2020
Loving the new @elevation_wrshp release, with the amazing "The Blessing" single featuring @codycarnes and (one of my faves) @karijobe. Check it out, plus offerings from @OkeeDokeeBros & @JosieDunneMusic https://t.co/e3UYIK6Cn3
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) May 6, 2020
3 songs to hear today: @kennychesney @Hillsong @youngandfree @VegaOfficial https://t.co/A6n7d1BuLi
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) May 12, 2020
