Atlanta Jazz Fest celebrates 40 years

Lineup includes Robert Glasper, Macy Gray, Freddy Cole.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year with three days of music spanning the traditional (Freddy Cole) to the funky (bassist Nik West).

Funk bassist Nik West is a colorful addition to the lineup.

The free, annual gathering in Piedmont Park will take place May 26-28. Last year’s event attracted more than 150,000 attendees, according to festival research, and resulted in a $15.5 million economic impact for the city.

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, this year will also feature 40 Days of Jazz (previously known as 31 Days of Jazz) leading up to the Memorial Day festival. Music and activities launch April 21 with an art gallery opening at Arnika Dawkins Gallery.

Other 40 Days of Jazz events include MARTA Mondays with performances as various MARTA stations, as well as the Neighborhood Jazz Series. Visit atlantafes-

tivals.com/events/2017-04/ for a list of all events.

Also, a 40th anniversary coffee table book – a photo compilation of the history of the festival – has been produced by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and can be purchased for $65.

Here is the complete lineup for the 2017 Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Legends Stage

7 p.m. – The Pedrito Martinez Group

9 p.m. – Robert Glasper Experiment

Legends Stage

1 p.m. – The Allan Harris Band

3 p.m. – Regina Carter: Simply Ella

5 p.m. – Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Quintet

7 p.m. – Reńe Marie and Experiment in Truth

9 p.m. – Charles Lloyd Sky Trio

Contemporary Stage

1:30 p.m. – Moonchild 3:30 p.m. – Nik West 5:30 p.m. – Nicholas Payton Afro-Caribbean Mixtape

7:30 p.m. – Macy Gray

Next Gen Stage

12:30 p.m. – Little Tybee

2:30 p.m. – Harriet Tubman: The Band 4:30 p.m. – Deva Mahal 6:30 p.m. – Marquis Hill Blacktet

Late Night Jazz Jam // Park Tavern at Piedmont Park

11 p.m. – The Miles Davis Electric Band Tribute All Star Jam with Lil’ John Roberts feat. Russell Gunn and Miles Davis band member Mino Cinelu

JENNI GIRTMAN / ATLANTA EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY Macy Gray is scheduled to perform May 27 at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.