Hoyt Sherman Place to resurrect its free Jazz In July program

For 40 years, the Jazz In July program served the Greater Des Moines community with various free jazz concerts until it ended abruptly following its 2017 season. After the Metro Arts Alliance ended operations, the event struggled to find someone to run it. Now, Hoyt Sherman Place, with the help of its co-sponsors Principal Foundation and Fagre Baker Daniels, plans to revive the series with three live performances both on its lawn and inside its historic theater for at least the next two years, initially.

“The Jazz in July series is a great fit for our mission — to serve all residents of Central Iowa — and our more recent goal of re-engaging the front lawn,” said Hoyt Sherman Place Executive Director, Robert Warren. “The artists signed up for the first year promises to bring the program back bigger and better than ever, and during year two we will be able to show off and utilize the new East Lobby Restroom Annex.”

Concerts are scheduled for Thursday, July 11, Friday, July 19 and Thursday, July 25 at 6 p.m., with headliners hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m. Local acts will serve as the opening acts on the lawn, with the headliners to follow inside. Headlining artists include songstress Charmin Michelle (July 11), Minneapolis native Debbie Duncan (July 19) and the Damani Phillips Collective (July 25). Duncan’s performance will kick off the Des Moines Jazz Festival the following day, Saturday, July 20. The festival will be held at Hoyt Sherman Place for the first time ever. Artists will be announced soon.

Patrons are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and will be able to enjoy local food truck fare and beverages provided by the venue on site.

For additional information about Jazz in July and the benefits of becoming a Hoyt Sherman Place Member, including presale opportunities, visit www.hoytsherman.org.