SHREVEPORT, La. -- Mark your calendars — Columbia Park in Shreveport's historic Highland neighborhood will once again come alive with the sounds of jazz and blues on Sept. 13 for the 21st annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.
This year’s festival promises its biggest lineup yet, with performances from nationally recognized artists and local favorites across multiple stages. Headlining the event is blues artist Kenny Neal, whose soulful sound is expected to draw a large crowd. Also performing are the Curtis Mills Collective, Josh Madden and the Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Doug Duffy and BADD, and Grammy-nominated artist Buddy Flett, among many others.
Blues artist Kenny Neal.
“It's so big,” festival Executive Director Emerie Holtzclaw said. “Jazz and blues are well-respected and deeply rooted in Louisiana culture. Everything you hear in mainstream music today comes from these genres. It’s not just music — it's history, and it started here.”
New to the festival this year is the Inspiration Stage, a platform dedicated to young, up-and-coming musicians. Student jazz bands from Benton High School, Bossier and North DeSoto Middle School will showcase their talents, offering a glimpse into the next generation of musical talent.
“We’re not only celebrating Highland,” Holtzclaw shared. “We’re creating opportunities for students across local parishes to perform and be inspired.”
Since its humble beginnings 21 years ago, the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival has grown from a few hundred attendees to nearly 10,000 music lovers. The event is free and made possible through community donations and sponsorships — including this year’s title sponsor, Ambetter Health.
In addition to music, festivalgoers can expect local food vendors, art, and a family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s promotional poster was designed by DaMetrius Haggerty, a CCTC senior in media arts and advertising design at Northwood High School, who won a student design contest.
DaMetrius Haggerty's winning poster design.
For more information on the festival lineup, schedule, and parking, visit Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.
