20 Years of Jazz History Brings Music to Scranton

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Scranton Jazz Festival kicked off Friday.

Organizers say what started as a one day festival with a few hundred people has evolved into a three day celebration with thousands making their way downtown.

Thousands of people are expected to be here throughout the weekend. Between the crowds, the music, and the different venues, the festival has given Scranton an almost big city feel.

Brass, strings, and everything in between. Day one of the three day Scranton Jazz Festival kicked off Friday evening in downtown Scranton and this one is special. The festival is celebrating its 20th birthday in the Electric City.

"Been trying to come for years and finally had something that was a good fit, and we're thrilled to be here. It's really good. Great energy, there's so many people out, it's really special," said Alex Carter, saxophonist, Filament Jazz Trio.

Swing bands, Dixieland, Latin jazz and soul and the list goes on. Over 80 musicians are performing in this year's festival across 20 different venues throughout downtown Scranton, transforming the city into a mini New Orleans.

"It's been really nice to see everybody out and about and enjoying especially this weather. You can't beat this in July," expressed Dan Fletcher, Scranton.

While the festival has only been around for two decades, jazz in Scranton dates back nearly a century to the 1930's. The festival's artistic director, Marko Marcinko, says two big-band legends Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey played in a band called the Scranton Sirens during that time.

"We've also had people like Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra come through this town and perform here over the years. So we have quite a connection with the jazz timeline," said Marko Marcinko.

Reggae, blues and rock bands will be performing, not to mention the dozens of venues offering food and drinks to complement the music.

"It's just fun. I think fun is the key, right? Because we all want to have fun and this is a good way to have fun," voiced Len Silvestri, Clarks Summit.

The festival is free to attend, but there will be some big performances Saturday and Sunday that require a ticket to enter.