Earlier comments here on Saratoga Jazz Festival artists announcement felt incomplete without giving the full schedule. So here’s the full line-up for the 22 acts on two stages over two late June days/evenings.

First let’s parse how the list below – copied and pasted from the news release – translates into a schedule and, later, becomes a plan.

In short, the listings for the two stages are in reverse chronological order. 

Saturday, saxophonist Kenny Garrett plays first on the Amphitheater (Main) stage where pianist Michel Camilo and his Trio follow; then blues guitar flamethrower Gary Clark Jr. closes Saturday’s music.

Meanwhile, the String Queens open on the Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage (formerly the Gazebo, and which I call the Wood, for brevity), followed by C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band. All woman modern jazz crew Artemis closes there.

In one of the improvements that have made the festival increasingly fan-friendly over its nearly 50 years, the sets on the two stages are now staggered some. So fleet-of-foot fans can catch more music on the two stages and have less difficulty choosing which stage to hit when. 

Moreover, only in the past few years have start times been announced beforehand; that will happen in the coming weeks. For years, those crucial planning essentials were closely held until just before show time.

Music wraps up on the Wood while the sun is still up, a convenient dinner break, while it continues on the Main.

Facility improvements also make the festival more welcoming including a tent over (much of) the audience area at the Wood; refurbished, relocated and expanded restrooms and food service areas – the latter a great place to meet strangers, always worthwhile.

Fans who prefer the lawn can still bring in their own seats, blankets and tents, unlike the shows Live Nation Entertainment presents, but must remove them after Saturday’s music. This facilitates cleaning of the grounds and ensures everyone gets a fair shot at prime or favorite positions on Sunday.

And, since I noted Laufey in my previous comments and included a photo of her rapt fans, here’s an onstage photo of the young Icelandic pop singer who swelled the crowds last year by expanding the festival’s young audience.

Laufey sings at the 2014 Saratoga Jazz Festival, the last sponsored by Freihofer’s. Water glass and teddy bear are at her feet.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Amphitheater: 

Gary Clark Jr.

Gregory Porter

Lettuce

Veronica Swift

Michel Camilo Trio

Kenny Garrett

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage: 

Artemis

Nicole Zuraitis

Keyon Harrold

Julius Rodriguez

C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band

The String Queens

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Amphitheater:

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Cory Wong

Cassandra Wilson

Al Di Meola Acoustic Band

DJ Logic & Friends featuring Vernon Reid, Cyro Baptista, Emilio Modeste, James Hurt, Felix Pastorius & Terreon Gully 

Charles R. Wood “Discovery” Stage:

Gary Bartz

Bria Skonberg Quintet

Brandee Younger Trio

La Excelencia 

Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Celebrate their Heroes

featuring Clay Jenkins, Jimmy Greene, Steve Davis, Dave Stryker, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel

A word about these guys and the special flavor of their shows. 

In recent years, local acts have joined the national and international attractions playing the Festival, notably the late, great pianist Lee Shaw, the Hot Club of Saratoga, and Garland Nelson’s gospel-soul ensemble. This year, the Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars represent as the only home-grown artists on the schedule. All are skilled individual players, and their ensemble plays wonderfully well together. 

Each summer, they select a jazz giant or two as the focus of virtuoso tributes, including both original arrangements and fresh reworking of vintage classics by these players themselves. Bassist leader Todd Coolman delivers the wittiest, most entertaining introductions we’re likely to hear, all festival. When the uniformly T-shirted Institute students take their customary places at the front of the Wood audience. You can feel their excitement, their happy energy, as their teachers offer glittering examples, inspirations, onstage.

As noted previously, tickets go on sale to SPAC members Feb. 21 and to everyone Feb. 24 at space.org.