While jazz festivals have not dramatically changed over the years, there has been some kind of evolution which is what has made them become what they are today. The main difference is the sheer amount of jazz festivals (and festivals in general) that exist now compared to many years ago. While in the 70’s and 80’s, you might see one or two festivals in major cities a year – these is usually at least 1 or 2 a month in these cities now, in addition to smaller jazz festivals in towns too where smaller amounts of people can gather.
Another difference in jazz festivals now is the amount of sponsorship. In general, festivals used to be a lot more wholesome and purely about the music but sadly that is something that has changed throughout the years. You would have never seen adverts for Honda, Vodafone and other big brands next to the big stage but that is the case in pretty much jazz festival nowadays. Intimate jazz clubs still exist however and in these type of locations, it is indeed all about the artists and music.
There wasn’t so many fashion statements during festivals years ago. Girls now show up to even jazz festivals show up in some crazy barely-there design, whereas longer ago, people just wore clothes that they were comfortable in to jazz festivals. When mobile phones did not exist or at least did not have cameras, the going on’s from jazz festivals stayed a lot more private. This isn’t the case now however, with pretty much all performances being recorded and put on the internet.
Despite the fact that there have been some changes for jazz festivals that haven’t been quite so good over the years, there are still many good changes. The fact that there are more jazz festivals than ever before is a great thing because it means more people can celebrate the music and amazing musicians that exist in the industry.
More and more international and local artists are coming out of the woodwork and that is something to be celebrated in the world we live in. It’s clear to see that there is no hope of the soulful jazz music going away anytime soon.
