St. Paul, Minn., June 5, 2019 -- The 21st annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival will be headlined this year by vocalist José James, vocalist Nnenna Freelon, the James Carter Organ Trio, saxophonist Grace Kelly, and bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand with Tom McDermott, and more.

Jazz Fest’s executive director, Steve Heckler. “I'm excited to have these great jazz musicians at Jazz Fest this year,” said Heckler. “With all the support we get from our sponsors and the community, we're able to bring in great local and national musicians and to keep our festival free.” VIP Experience passes are available for purchase at twincitiesjazzfestival.com/vip/

The three-day festival, set for June 20 - 22 in and around Mears Park in Saint Paul's popular Lowertown arts district, will include headline acts on the Hiway Federal Credit Union Mears Park Mainstage, Xcel Energy’s Jazz on 5th Street Stage, the Larry Englund Memorial Youth Stage sponsored by Thrivent Financial Union Depot Stage, and the Stage at tpt as well as performances in nearby restaurants, bars and studio venues. Stop down for free dance lessons at the UCare Dance area in front of the Jazz on 5th Street Stage on Friday and Saturday at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. each day. Enjoy Monterey Wine hosted by District 7 Wines, part of the Scheid Family of Wines in the new Monterrey Wine Bar on 5th Street.

The weekend will kick off on Thursday, June 20 in partnership with Lowertown Sounds for a night celebrating Cuban music with Mayito Rivera with Charanga Tropical and Jorge Luis Pacheco.

Friday continues with young saxophonist/singer Grace Kelly, and Minneapolis-born, New York-based singer José James; Saturday has Israeli percussionist/pianist Yogev Shetrit, Detroit-born reedman James Carter, six-time GRAMMY Award nominee, vocalist Nnenna Freelon on the Hiway Federal Credit Union Main Stage in Mears Park. Festival attendees can look forward to music throughout the night in Lowertown clubs and restaurants all three nights of the Festival. Metro Transit is providing free light rail and bus rides; download passes HERE