Jazz in the Park offers free concerts for locals

Tourists visiting in early summer typically flock to the Strip, but residents might consider attending an annual event downtown targeted toward them.

The Clark County Parks and Recreation Department plans to host an installment of the Jazz in the Park series each Saturday beginning this week through June 9 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

The series is set to feature five jazz artists and bands from around the globe who will perform free concerts.

Brian Saliba, Clark County special events supervisor, said Jazz in the Park is an event specifically geared toward locals.

"The goal is to provide first-class community performances to people who live in Las Vegas without a cost," Saliba said. "This event is specifically for the community as a whole."

Saliba said attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring picnic dinners and low-back chairs or blankets for the free concerts, which are slated to begin at 7:30 p.m.

This year's lineup features Spyro Gyra, Jazz in the Park series veterans; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Jeff Golub; Canada natives Four80East; and The Yellowjackets.

Saxophonist and band leader Jay Beckenstein said Spyro Gyra enjoys playing as part of the Jazz in the Park series because of the people who attend.

"The great thing about Jazz in the Park is we're playing for the people who live and work in Las Vegas," Beckenstein said. "The audience is really receptive and really appreciative of the event."

Each concert is designed for adults and children, with music from not only the main acts but also opening songs from the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo, according to Saliba.

"There's something for everybody," Saliba said. "It's really about the good, quality programs at no cost to residents."

Saliba said each musician or group brings something different to the mix for this year's series. Spyro Gyra, he said, is a "fan favorite," while Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are newcomers he expects will make a big splash with the audience. Grammy-nominated band The Yellowjackets are scheduled to close the series June 9, which Saliba believes is an ideal way to end the 23rd annual Jazz in the Park series.

Saliba said even with top-notch jazz acts set to perform downtown, the focus continues to stay on locals for this event.

"In this community, everything is about the Strip," Saliba said. "For Jazz in the Park, this is really about the locals."

For more information on Jazz in the Park, call 455-8200 or visit clarkcountynv.gov.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.