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 September 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.
“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.”…