Festival Mission Statement :
To broaden awareness and appreciation of jazz through quality live performances of national and regional scope; present educational activities that illuminate the art form for students of all ages and backgrounds; showcase Vermont and regional jazz artists, including students; and create a vital city-wide community festival that contributes to the national jazz dialogue.
About Discover Jazz
In 1984 the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival gave Vermont's flourishing jazz community the recognition it deserved - a celebration combining incredible local talent with jazz legends from every corner of the globe. The generous support of the business community and private donations have allowed The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, in association with Burlington City Arts, to create what is today the largest multi-cultural event in Vermont. In 2003, the Festival celebrated its 20th Anniversary and ushered in its third decade of bringing America's truly home-grown art form to the beautiful venue that is Burlington, Vermont.
The Festival has grown through time, but the mission has remained constant. That core mission, embedded in the Festival's title, is to provide enjoyment and education through Discovery! This week is not only a chance for the community to revel in jazz's spectrum of different forms; it is also an occasion for fans to learn from the artists, and a time when audiences can see a myriad of artists jam in relaxed settings. Vermonters have the opportunity to hear and meet the world-renowned artists who have inspired them for years.
Throughout the week jazz resonates from every corner of downtown Burlington - from the region's premier performing arts facility, the Flynn Center, to the Church Street Marketplace stages, to the Waterfront Park, to City Hall's Contois Club and Memorial Auditorium, to the neighborhood clubs and restaurants. The Festival has also branched out to celebrate other forms of roots music with the Blues, World, and Gospel Tents along the shores of Lake Champlain.
The success and foundation of the Festival is our community coming together to support a youngster's first live performance, to applaud the musical virtuosity of our local artists, and to witness legends who have traveled thousands of miles to dazzle us. Burlington Vermont has a unique rhythm and life. For ten days each June that rhythm is the rhythm of jazz.
