The 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival

The 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival was as immaculate this year as it is every year. All of the jazz artist were spectacular and the crowd really rocked it the whole day through. To see all of the local residents, and residents from neighboring states really tells the story of how successful this event has been throughout the years. People from all walks of life come together to listen and feel the smooth sounds of jazz players from all across this great nation. Or as I like to call it, One Nation Under a Groove!!

Another big, important factor that makes this event so special is the fact that it is family friendly as well. There are lots of great accommodations being made for children of all ages. The minute you walk through the front gate of this FREE festival, you see hundreds of vendors waiting to sell all types of goodies to all different age groups. Lots of glow sticks, swords, and noise makers available to keep the little ones entertained. And whats any kind of festival without cotton candy and popcorn. Yep, they have all of that set up all throughout the park. It is very convenient for families with small children to feel at ease when bringing their children due to the different activities available to them. There is also lots of playing space and fields around so that the kids can run free and burn some energy in case the jazz starts to puts them to sleep, as it did me when I was a young child.

Memorial Day weekend is when this event takes place every weekend. It starts the Saturday before at 11am and ends Sunday night at 11pm. This a great, relaxing way to kick off your Memorial Day weekend. Saturday kicks off with an extended night of music ending at 2am. Thats right, if you got plans and cant make it during the daylight hours, you've got plenty of time to unwind later that night. This particular all night event is held at any given location near Piedmont Park. These specific locations are to be determined every year and do require a small cover charge of $20. It is usually held at a nearby bar or tavern, so this way you have the opportunity to sit, eat and drink at an indoor setting, and still enjoy the benefits of the festival, without the kiddies of course.

Sunday marks the last day of the Atlanta Jazz Festival. This event this day ends at 11pm, but starts out with a Jazz Brunch at Park Tavern, located in Piedmont Park, where the actual event will take place. This is an awesome way to start out your day by enjoying a nice, indoor continental breakfast and mimosa before grazing in the grass. The overall atmosphere of this entire festival is unwinding. It is located in Atlanta's most sought after neighborhoods and has easy access to downtown Atlanta and the fabulous Buckhead District. This is an outdoor event, and is held rain or shine. It's free to get in, and you pay for whatever food or extras you desire. You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks, and I highly recommend that you bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets. The Atlanta Police Department is all over this event, so it pretty safe to attend. Recycling is encouraged as recycling bins are set all throughout the park. Piedmont Park is a proud sponsor of Go Green and they really practice being Eco friendly by making it easy for patrons to participate.

This festival is wonderful for people of all ages and cultures. I highly recommend attending this event if you live in or anywhere around the Atlanta. Or if you live in California and know someone in Atlanta, make it a point to visit them next Memorial Day and demand that they take you to this special event. You'll be glad you came.