Live Jazz in Raleigh, NC
Updated September 29, 2022
One of our favorite Fall traditions in Raleigh is Jazz in the Square. Jazz in the Square is an evening of free live jazz music in Raleigh’s downtown Moore Square. Wonderful jazz music fills the night air on select Thursdays from September through October each year. Free and open to the public, this is a great event for those of all ages - couples, kids, and even pets!
Jazz in the Square has ended for 2022, but we will update with 2023 dates as soon as they become available!
Jazz in the Square
We recommend packing your own picnic or grabbing take-out from one of the nearby, walkable, restaurants like Bida Manda. If you’re coming from work and looking for something quick and convenient, you can also pick up dinner from one of the many food trucks that will surround the event as well. Food and wine will also be available for purchase at the event.
Concerts take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Jazz Concert Schedule
Thursday, September 1, 2022 - La Fiesta Jazz Latin Ensemble
Thursday, September 15, 2022 - NiiTO
Thursday, September 22, 2022 - Public Opinion
Thursday, September 29, 2022 - Second Line Stompers. Rescheduled for October 20, 2022 due to high winds.
Thursday, October 6, 2022 - Dupresha Townsend
Thursday, October 13, 2022 - Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
Listen to the Bands & Artists
If you’d like to hear a sampling of each band’s music, we’ve included links to some of their past performances below.
La Fiesta Jazz Latin Ensemble - All band members are from the Dominican Republic and they combine Latin and African beats to create Latin Jazz music. Watch a performance at Koko Booth’s Amphitheater.
NiiTo - This band blends genres like r&b, pop, funk, soul, jazz, and blues to create a unique sound. Take a listen to their new single “NiiTOnight”.
Public Opinion - This band believes in “music from the soul, for the soul” and is a dynamic rhythm section featuring a variety of artists. Take a listen to their album “The Public Opinion”.
Second Line Stompers - Best known for their New Orleans-style jazz music, this band can also be found playing at C. Grace downtown. Watch a Second Line Stompers performance at C. Grace.
Dupresha Townsend - A vocalist with a graduate degree in Jazz Studies from NC State. Check out a video of her performing for the NCCU Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble - Comprised of advanced musicians in grades 8- 12, this group performs big band jazz style music. Watch their Christmas Music Special from 2021.
Rain/Weather Cancellations
Be sure to watch Downtown Raleigh Alliances’ Instagram page for up-to-date news on whether or not a concert is being canceled due to weather. Concerts will proceed if there is light rain but will be canceled if there is lightning.
Location
201 South Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Parking
There is various free street parking as well as garages nearby.
Moore Square Garage
233 South Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Moore Square Garage Rates: $1.50/hour, first 4 hours. $2.00/hour after 4 hours to the daily maximum. $14 is the daily maximum.
What to Bring
You can bring your own food and drink or purchase some from food trucks that will be on-site.
We recommend bringing a blanket to sprawl out on, some outdoor pillows for comfort, and a light shawl or jacket to keep you warm as the sun sets. If you decide to bring your own food and drink, we suggest bottled water, a thermos full of tomato soup, some sandwiches, and another thermos full of hot chocolate for dessert. All of these items won’t require utensils (one last thing to pack!) and clean-up will be minimal. Napkins, hand sanitizer, and a bag for trash are also good items to bring with you.
We also suggest arriving early to secure a good seat on the lawn!
Sources
- Raleigh NC.gov. “Widely Anticipated Jazz in the Square Series Returns for Fall 2022”. https://raleighnc.gov/parks/widely-anticipated-jazz-square-series-returns-fall-2022. 24 August 2022.
About the Author
Angela Byrnes - Owner, Southern Picnics
Angela is the owner of Southern Picnics and started the business in September 2020. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in Writing and Literature. She later attended Duke University where she received a certificate in Digital Media and Marketing.