As a hub for black commerce and culture during the days of segregation, the historic 4th Avenue Business District is one-of-a-kind. The district set the scene for the taste makers of yesterday and stands today as a testament to the resilience of a people. Seeking to celebrate the spirit of the district, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, inspired by the “Taste of Chicago,” launched the first Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival in 2003. Now approaching its 16th year, this one-day event has become a popular summer staple and continues to be presented at no cost to attendees, in collaboration with Urban Impact, Inc., the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, and the City of Birmingham.
Nationally-recognized and homegrown artists that have performed on the main stage include: Bobbi Humphrey, Kim Waters, Ben Tankard, Norman Brown, Euge Groove, Ronnie and Deborah Laws, Michael Ward, Joey Summerville, Dee-Lucas, the Birmingham Heritage Band, Bo Berry, Daniel “Jose” Carr, Lonnie Liston Smith.
