Clearwater Jazz Holiday (CJH) is the Tampa Bay Area's signature music event with a 39-year tradition of world-class performances and significant, sustained cultural and economic impact for the region. CJH and its annual activities and initiatives supporting its mission, are organized and implemented by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and proud winner of the 2016 Clearwater Regional Chamber’s Judge’s Choice Nonprofit of the Year.
- During the third week of October each year, thousands of people from all over the world gather in downtown Clearwater along the waterfront, in beautiful Coachman Park, to celebrate a live music experience that’s unlike any other.
- CJH features a combination of legendary and relevant musical artists and a gathering of an amazingly diverse fan base with a broad age demographic. CJH’s diverse lineup covers a wide array of musical styles including straight ahead and smooth jazz, swing, blues, jamband, folk, Americana, funk, rock/pop and Zydeco, and showcases classic bands, popular artists, and emerging stars.
Headliners in recent years include Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Bonnie Raitt, Chicago, The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Earth Wind & Fire, UB4O, Buddy Guy and Sheryl Crow. - Education and Community Outreach are fundamental components of the Foundation's mission. As a result of that commitment, several innovative initiatives are making a huge impact in the communities we serve by changing the lives of young people through greater cultural awareness.
These initiatives take the form of innovative programs, such as the History of Jazz Outreach Program, impacting thousands of students; the Young Lions Jazz Master Sessions, providing a unique instructional experience that connects jazz students with university educators and local professionals; student scholarships and special funding for jazz and band programs; and creative learning experiences.
- The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading proponent of jazz entertainment and education in Florida through the annual presentation of a world-class, live music festival in Clearwater, FL during the third week of October and to promote tourism to Pinellas County as a key component of this celebration.