Jazz fest moves downtown

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jazz was the dessert for Saturday night’s entertainment, mixing sounds of the keyboard, saxophone and voice.

The Downtown Jazz Fest took center stage in Central Square, in conjunction with the Summer Festival of the Arts weekend.

“This is one of the best weekends in Youngstown,” said Linda Macala, executive director of the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which helped organize the event.

Macala said the jazz fest, especially, is an event “people look forward to” every year.

Despite some sprinklers going off and a drawn-out sound-check segment, the show went on starting with opening act, Jeff Green’s Jazz in the Park All-Stars, a local Youngstown jazz band. Attendants cheered enthusiastically when they started performing while relaxing in their camp chairs.

“Jazz is American music,” said John Bullock of Austintown. “This festival is a celebration of that.”

He said he was looking forward to national performer Paul Taylor, who took the stage later in the evening.

Taylor is a contemporary urban jazz saxophonist known for instantly identifiable tones, infectious melodies and his live performances. He made his debut in 1995 with “On the Horn.” His 10th and latest album is titled “Tenacity,” according to his website.

“He’s a pretty good saxophonist,” Bullock said.

About 1,500 to 2,000 people were anticipated to attend the festivities, said Michael McGiffin, the city’s director of downtown events.

“They’re nice community events, bringing together people who don’t come to downtown often,” he said, adding that it’s not every day that one gets to sit back and relax in the heart of downtown.

“Mike has done a phenomenal job,” Macala said.

“We look forward to collaborating with him in future projects.”