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For the first time in 2016, the Florida Jazz and Blues Festival brought to Tallahassee some of the most celebrated musicians in the world to our hometown stage at Cascades Park. The festival returns this month, Saturday and Sunday October 28th and 29th with another stellar lineup of jazz and blues artists. Jazz trumpeter and festival co-coordinator Scotty Barnhart will talk with Brien about this year’s festival that will showcase Mr. Sipp and New Orleans Suspects.
To understand Tallahassee’s history, it is important to know how the Frenchtown community has contributed to our identity and our place in the world. Cannonball Adderley and Ray Charles, among many noted musicians, made their home in Frenchtown, and performed there regularly. As a hub for the civil rights activities of the 1950s and 1960s, Frenchtown brought social change and an expanded understanding of the contribution of black Americans. in our time, Frenchtown is again bringing its rich heritage to bear, and offering Tallahassee an opportunity to participate. This year’s Heritage Fest on Saturday November 4th is a celebration of that contribution, and Frenchtown Heritage Hub Director Michelle Gomez will talk with Brien about this festival and how Frenchtown is bringing new ideas and new opportunities for local businesses, local growers and local residents.