How It All Began
History of The Jazz Festival
The Scranton Jazz Festival began in 2005 at the Hanlon's Grove Amphitheatre at Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa. After a major snowstorm damaged the facility in 2007, the festival's organizers moved the event to its present home at the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton where it has become a permanent fixture on the northeastern Pa. arts and culture scene.
Presented in August for a three day weekend, the festival has attracted some of the finest international, national, and regional jazz/blues and world beat artists to showcase their world class talent. Combined with an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers, the SJF literally transforms downtown Scranton into a vibrant three days of high quality entertainment that has attracted thousands over the years.
Scranton has had a rich history in jazz dating back to the 1930's where jazz legends, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, performed regularly with the famous Scranton Sirens Jazz Band. Our area is also credited with hosting the first known recorded jazz festival, "The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz", in 1951.
Since its premiere in 2005 the festival has drawn audiences from the entire Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in tremendous notoriety and exposure to the international jazz world. The SJF contributes to our region as a cultural epicenter, spreading the arts throughout the northeast, no different than such festivals as Newport, Rhode Island; Saratoga Springs; and Monterey, California.
The Scranton Jazz Festival simply wants to carry on this rich tradition while becoming a recognized contributor to the world of jazz/blues and world beat music in its own right. It is the hope and desire of everyone involved that the festival will continue for decades to come.
The Scranton Jazz Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
View our GuideStar ProfileWhat We Stand For
World-Class Jazz
Bringing the finest international, national, and regional jazz/blues and world beat artists to Northeast Pennsylvania for 20 years.
Community First
A festival by the community, for the community — free summer Jazz Walk events for all ages across 20+ downtown venues.
Supporting the Arts
Nurturing emerging talent through the PA Jazz Institute and preserving the rich tradition of jazz music in our region.
Where to Stay
Hilton Scranton
The Hilton Scranton Hotel & Conference Center sits in beautiful downtown Scranton. Enjoy their 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool. A longstanding partner of the Scranton Jazz Festival.
Book Your Room →
Radisson Lackawanna Station
The historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Downtown Scranton provides the Annual Jazz Festival with newly remodeled rooms, a partially covered patio, indoor facilities, and the finest food and drink. The ideal location for a world-class event.
Book Your Room →The PA Jazz Institute at Misericordia University
The PA Jazz Institute, hosted by Misericordia University, is a one-week intensive course that passes on the great tradition of jazz music, history, theory and improvisation to the next generation. With the cooperation of the Scranton Jazz Festival, students study and rehearse with world class jazz educators and performers in preparation for a featured performance at the festival.
Learn more at PAJazzInstitute.com →