The Knoxville Jazz Festival was founded in 2006 as a collaboration between the Knox County Public Libraryand the renowned pianist, composer, and teacher, Donald Brown. Its mission is to foster an appreciation for two uniquely American contributions to the world: jazz and public libraries. To that end, the Knoxville Jazz Festival provides opportunities for students and professional musicians to work with jazz masters. It spotlights the many excellent jazz musicians in East Tennessee, and helps people to appreciate jazz and understand its importance to American culture.
As Artistic Director of the Knoxville Jazz Festival, Donald Brownhas brought in an impressive array of internationally acclaimed musicians including Stephane Belmondo, Don Byron, Geoff Keezer, Javon Jackson, Lionel Loueke, Bobby Lyle, Steve Nelson, and Nicholas Payton. Mr. Brown has been called “a beam of bright talent on today’s jazz scene.” An award winning composer, his music is played throughout the world and he is an admired improviser and arranger. He is also a dedicated educator and serves as Associate Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee.
In addition to its annual festival, the KJF sponsors education programs including "What is This Thing Called Jazz?" a series geared toward the layperson who is interested in learning more about how to listen to jazz and jazz history. It is taught by professors from the University of Tennessee’s Jazz Program.
The Knoxville Jazz Festival incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 2008.
Knoxville Jazz Festival Board of Directors
Robert G. Hilton :: President
Donald Brown :: Artistic Director
Nelda Hill :: Managing Director
Phil Hardison
Karen Kluge
Edye Ellis
Chris Woodhull
John Rosson
Hallerin Hilton Hill
