Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz

TASTE OF 4TH AVENUE JAZZ FESTIVAL is a one day jazz festival presented annually since 2003 in Birmingham’s Historic 4th Avenue District Downtown. TASTE OF 4TH AVENUE JAZZ FESTIVAL is organized and managed by Urban Impact, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c3 organization and is FREE to attendees.

Past festival performers have included Kim Waters, Ben Tankard, Norman Brown, Jazz In Pink, Euge Groove, Paul Taylor, Cleve Eaton, Ronnie Laws, Bobbi Humphrey, Eric Essix, Michael Ward, Joey Sommerville, Birmingham Heritage Band, Gabbie McGee, Foxxy Fatts & Company, Daniel “Jose” Carr, Jr., On Purpose, Bo Berry, Tekneek, N'fusion feat. James Crumb, Jr., RAW Jazz Trio, DieDra, Tekneek and Dee Lucas.
 

We promise you a great time in the Magic City as you "CAPTURE THE FLAVOR" of some cool swinging jazz!
 

HISTORIC 4TH AVENUE is a part of the African American business district formed in Birmingham just after 1910. In a pattern characteristic of Southern cities found during Reconstruction, African American businesses developed alongside those of other races in many sections of the downtown area.

After the turn of the century, laws authorizing the distinct separation of “the races” and subsequent restrictions placed on African American firms forced the growing African American business community into an area along Third, Fourth and Fifth Avenues North, from 15th to 18th Streets. Segregation and discrimination created a small world in which African American enterprise was accepted and to which African Americans had open access. This area served as the business, social and cultural center for African Americans with activities similar to those in the predominantly non-black districts. Businesses located in the area included barber and beauty shops, mortuaries, saloons, restaurants, theatres, photographic studios, and motels. Businesses in the district and their successors continued to do well throughout the 60’s.

The African American business district had a thriving nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets were filled with crowds of people visiting bars or just out for a stroll. Live entertainment made the district “the place to be.” Monroe Kennedy, a blind bookie, made sure that Fourth Avenue got its fair share of the “Big Swing Bands.” This seven-story building was designed by African American architects, Taylor & Persley and built by Windham Brothers Construction Company, another African American-owned business. Not only was the Masonic Temple used for entertainment, it housed African American professional offices and was the state headquarters for the Masons and Order of Eastern Stars.

Today, many of the long-closed buildings have reopened as new businesses. Fourth Avenue District is once again home to several African American-owned restaurants. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, & 16th Street Baptist Church are also part of the district. The old Carver Theatre is now home to both the Carver Performing Arts Theatre and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame where exhibits include a look at the jazz legends from the area. Eddie Kendrick of the Temptations was born in Birmingham and never forgot his Birmingham roots. He returned to Birmingham for his finals days, before passing on in 1992. In 1999, Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park with a statue of Eddie singing and original Temptations was dedicated.

Source: SoulofAmerica.com


For more information about Birmingham Tourism check out Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Historic 4th Avenue Business District, 4th Avenue North, 17 & 18th Street, Downtown Birmingham AL

Directions from I-20/I-59 Take exit 125A for 17th Street toward Downtown.
Turn right at 17th Street North. Turn right at 4th Avenue North

Directions from I-65 Take exit 260B for 3rd Avenue North. Merge onto 11th Street North. Turn right at 5th Avenue North. Turn right at 17th Street North. Turn right at 4th Avenue North.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
 

Access: The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is a FREE EVENT that is open to the general public.

Coolers: Coolers are permitted. Note that restaurants and food vendors will be available.

Seating: Bring a lawn chair. The festival area is located on the street.

Parking: Parking can be found on the streets, lots and public parking deck near 4th Avenue North & 16th, 17th and 18th Streets.
Please secure your vehicle, festival organizers are not responsible for stolen property. Security will be present throughout the District.

Umbrellas: Allowed in the up position between acts and must come down while artists are performing.
Please wear a hat and/or bring sunscreen.

Smoking: No smoking is allowed including tented areas and VIP area, except in designated area(s).

Cameras: Cameras are permitted for still shots but videotaping is prohibited per artist contracts.

ATM Machine: For your convenience, an ATM machine is located at Citizens Trust Bank, 1700 3rd Avenue North.