The final day of Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland 2025 wrapped up with an electrifying series of performances, marking the conclusion of one of the premier jazz festivals in the United States. Hosted in Playhouse Square, Cleveland’s heart of the arts district, the event featured some of the most recognized names in the jazz world. The festival, which ran from June 26 to June 28, celebrated its rich legacy while also showcasing the future of jazz music.
Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is an annual event that has become a major highlight for both Cleveland residents and visitors. Each year, it attracts thousands of jazz enthusiasts and presents a diverse mix of performances, educational events, and community outreach initiatives. The 2025 festival was no exception, drawing crowds of all ages, from seasoned jazz fans to newcomers to the genre.
A World-Class Lineup of Performers
The final day of the festival delivered some of the most memorable performances of the weekend. The lineup for June 28 included world-renowned artists such as Dianne Reeves, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, and Pedrito Martínez. Each artist brought their unique style to the stage, infusing the evening with soul, energy, and musical mastery.
Dianne Reeves, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of her generation, delivered a performance that showcased her range, versatility, and timeless artistry. With her rich, resonant voice, Reeves performed a mix of jazz standards and original works, mesmerizing the audience with her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. The crowd was particularly moved by her rendition of “Afro Blue,” a classic piece that has become a staple of her live performances. “Jazz is about freedom, expression, and feeling. It’s a privilege to share that with you all,” Reeves said during her set, connecting deeply with her audience.
Kirk Whalum, a saxophonist known for his soulful sound and ability to cross genres, also delivered an unforgettable performance. Whalum, whose style blends gospel, jazz, and blues, demonstrated his mastery of the saxophone with solos that captivated the audience. His smooth, emotive playing on tracks like “The Wedding Song” and “Let It Flow” resonated with long-time fans and new listeners alike. Whalum’s performance exemplified the power of jazz to communicate universal emotions, making him a standout artist at the festival.
Guitarist Jonathan Butler, known for his fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop, brought a fresh energy to the stage. His set was an engaging mix of smooth jazz grooves and soulful ballads, with Butler’s exceptional guitar work taking center stage. One of the highlights was his rendition of “City Lights,” a piece that captured both the beauty and complexity of urban life. “Music is my way of telling stories without words,” Butler shared with the audience, as his guitar spoke to the hearts of listeners.
Pedrito Martínez, a percussionist with roots in Afro-Cuban music, concluded the evening with a vibrant, high-energy set that infused the festival with Latin rhythms. Known for his virtuosic drumming and compelling stage presence, Martínez brought a burst of rhythm to the final moments of the festival, with his ensemble performing a mix of Afro-Cuban jazz and contemporary jazz influences. The crowd couldn’t help but move to the infectious beats as Martínez and his band lit up the stage.
Community Engagement and Educational Impact
In addition to the musical performances, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland 2025 emphasized the importance of jazz education and community involvement. The festival is not only a celebration of jazz but also an educational tool for aspiring musicians and young people interested in the genre. Throughout the weekend, artists led workshops and masterclasses, providing valuable insights into jazz performance, improvisation, and composition.
The festival also partnered with local schools to provide students with access to jazz education. Over 1,000 students from Cleveland area high schools participated in the festival’s “Jazz for Kids” initiative, where they had the opportunity to learn directly from the festival’s artists. One such student, Maria Anderson, a 17-year-old saxophonist from Cleveland Heights High School, said, “Being able to see my idols perform live, and then meet them and learn from them, is something I’ll never forget. It’s motivated me to pursue a career in jazz.”
Moreover, Tri-C JazzFest’s educational outreach extends beyond traditional classrooms. The festival sponsors community programs such as the Cleveland Jazz Youth Orchestra and the Cleveland Jazz Institute, which work to foster young talent and preserve the genre’s cultural legacy.
A Growing Festival with a Lasting Legacy
As Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland 2025 came to a close, organizers expressed their gratitude for the continued success and growth of the event. “Every year, we strive to bring the best of jazz to Cleveland, and this year’s festival has surpassed our expectations,” said Bill Saylor, executive director of the festival. “It’s a joy to see jazz continuing to inspire and bring people together, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating this beautiful music.”
Looking ahead, plans are already underway for next year’s festival. Organizers are aiming to expand the scope of the festival to include even more artists, more performances, and a broader range of educational initiatives. The goal is to keep jazz alive for the next generation while ensuring it remains a vibrant and essential part of Cleveland’s cultural scene.