Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage held the 28th anniversary celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Few figures loom as large or cast as long a shadow as saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker, celebrated as a bebop pioneer and for bringing jazz into the modern era. The free festival (this year, celebrating what would have been Parker’s 100th birthday), is New York City’s annual salute to the legendary late saxophonist, featuring both contemporaries of Charlie Parker as well as young jazz musicians that continue to shape and drive the art form. This year’s festival was held at Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park in addition to partnered jazz events around the city. (Risasi Dais photos)
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Robin Bell Stevens, executive director of JazzMobile, introducing the 2021 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival line-up.
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Amadi Azikiwe, music director of the Harlem Symphony Orchestra, being thankful for an incredible performance during the festival closing.
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Amadi Azikiwe, musical director of the Harlem Symphony Orchestra, posed with the orchestra during the closing of their performance at this year’s Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
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Jazz tenor saxophonist Donald Harrison performing with the Harlem Symphony Orchestra.
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Jazz singer Shenel Johns
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Abdias Armenteros, the dynamic young jazz saxophonist, playing in Marcus Garvey Park
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Legendary jazz drummer Carl Allen performing during Bird at 100.
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Three jazz saxophone greats, Gary Bartz, Vincent Herring and Bobby Watson, at Bird at 100 during the 2021 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
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Tenor saxophonist Antonio Hart performing with his quartet.