Scranton Jazz Festival Returns This Weekend

SCRANTON, Pa. — The sweet sounds of jazz filled the dining room at Atera 519 in Scranton. These musicians came together to preview what folks will experience at this weekend's Scranton Jazz Festival.

"People gathering together, socializing, having great food, great spirits, great drinks, live music. It's kind of like a touch of if you went to New Orleans, what you would experience there in the French Quarter," Scranton Jazz Festival Artistic Director Marko Marcinko said.

This is the 20th anniversary of the Scranton Jazz Festival, and organizers are expecting a big weekend. The majority of the event is free, but you do need tickets for certain events at the Scranton Cultural Center.

"One with Tower of Power, the very famous funk and soul band, on Saturday, August 2nd, and then our 17-piece Emmy-nominated big band on Sunday, August 3rd," Marcinko said.

The Scranton Jazz Festival will feature dozens of performers. There are 23 venues hosting musicians, including Atera 519.

"I'm just excited for this. I think it's a good opportunity for the community to come together and have a good time downtown," Atera 519 Floor Manager Diana Rose said.

Clubs and restaurants will be hosting live music events all weekend. There is even a shuttle service to take people to the different venues.

"It's a great opportunity for people to really get to know jazz who don't know a lot about it, as well as old timers who love it," Atera 519 General Manager Gabe Wilkins said.

The Scranton Jazz Festival kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. at various locations throughout the Electric City. It continues Saturday and picks up again Sunday morning at 11 with brunch events.