Winter Park Jazz Festival

great event.....good seats....and the music was outstanding.....

Came here 3 years ago from San Diego. Ive seen my share of concerts and venues. None greater than this one.

It is just a great concert. Wonderful bands, people and venue. They get the cream of the crop in Smooth Jazz performers in an idyllic setting.

I think the music played in between sets could be improved, we go to hear some funky jazz, so play some funky music. I appreciate the shows starting on time. I really miss the old location on the hill, wish we could go back. Why didn't the mayor's wife (Linda Louise Lee) perform? Wonderful work, Becky and crew!

Jazz Fest was amazing this year. The line up was really awesome and all the performances were amazing! The weather was also pretty awesome. Im glad that they do not have assigned seating in VIP anymore. I would highly recommend this to event to anyone who loves or even just likes jazz. you will have a good time.

Fabulous event! Great day of jazz. Loved Dotsero and Kool and the Gang

I enjoyed the weekend getaway in Winter Park and, for the music is always enjoyable; however, why do they keep including performances by non-jazz artists? Kool and the Gang and Music (?) Soul Child were both very good at what they do, but it's hardly what I would consider Jazz. There are plenty of good JAZZ artists who could fill a two day event.

southern gentlemen performance was better than expected, Eric Darrius was outstanding as usual, summer horns where awesome. i was a little disappointed in kool & the gang and music soul child. however the event was a blast as it normally is. and becky taylor was awesome as the mc.

Almost, but not quite enough to make me come back next year. The Winter Park Jazz Festival has changed from Jazz focus, to whichever artists are available on this date. That said, Mint Condition had no business being on this stage. They are neither Jazz nor are they performing anything decipherable by anyone older than twenty. Adding insult to injury, the overall volume was once again cranked-up to the maximum chest-pounding, ear-deafening level throughout their set. The bass player (if you can call him that) knew only how to manipulate the lowest 5th string on any noise segment the group presented. As I recall, Mint came on after a Monsoon that eliminated Eric Darius time slot. In this case, I wish the rainstorm had delayed and eliminated Mint Condition instead. The highlights of the day were the opening and closing acts. Hazel Miller opened in her lovely traditional fashion. No matter how many times her band members change, Hazel continues to perform beautifully. She will remain a respected artist for as long as she stays true to the music. Finally, the closing act was the biggest and best performance of the entire two-day festival. David Sanborn and Brian Culbertson are consummate Jazz musicians that simply will remain on the top forever. Talent pours out of these two prodigies in fantastic quantities throughout their performances. They were an absolute delight to view and listen to. It is always amazing to see Brian go back and forth between spectacular keyboard and trombone performances. And, to see him play the keyboard backwards (back to the audience) equally well as when behind the keyboard. David Sanborn's wonderful compositions and saxaphone playing stir the soul every time. Both artists and their backup instrumentalists sounded wonderful. But, that was because they brought their own sound engineer with them to run the master audio mixer. Proof once again that the other groups sounded worse because of the incompetence of the regular Winter Park audio board idiots. Please WP, hire some real professionals.

This will be the last time I attend this festival. I will miss it very much. But, they have totally lost their focus on Jazz. Today was 1/2 Jazz (sort of) and 1/2 Rhythm & Blues artists. Dotsero opened and played the same stuff they always play, year after year. Most of it is just not worth repeating endlessly. But, it was basically Jazz. Joe Louis Walker's Big Band was by definition Rhythm and Blues. They were extremely talented for the most part, and enjoyable. But, not Jazz. Summer of Soul with Jonathan Butler was pretty good. I have several of his albums, and like his music. But, stressful circumstances made him cut his performance short and hand it off to Warren Hill, who played Edgar Winter's Frankenstein. Please Warren, cut it out. You behave like the Alice Cooper of Jazz. Overall disappointing. Then the final ear-splitting abomination of the day was Charlie Wilson. Not Jazz at all. Instead it was pounding-pounding-pounding deafening screaming exaggerated over-produced nonsense, decorated with former strippers in various costumes prancing across the stage while Charlie emulated sexual motions toward them and the audience. ENOUGH!! Not Jazz. Not even Music. Just a grand-scale headache. Worsening the experience was the incompetence of the Audio board operators, who either left individual microphones or instruments turned-off before the performance, or had the master volume turned-up so loud you could watch your own shirt vibrate. I'm convinced these morons have no idea how to mix music channels to save their lives.

We had our friends come to join us at the Park City Jazz Festival from Denver a couple of years ago. They loved it. We came to the Winter Park Jazz Festival to join them this year. It is not a Jazz Festival. Much more R & B. False name and advertising. Big disappointment. Why can't they be truthful in their advertising? I know the answer, money. Can't be truthful and therefore be greedy $$$.

This was my first year attending this event and it was fantastic! Next year going to stay up there for the whole weekend. What a line-up; even the downpour we had on Sunday didn't stop the event staff from cleanning up the stage, resetting everything and continuing the show. Very impressed with how this was coordinated and executed. Highly recommend to anyone who loves great jazz music and cool mountain air.

There were still too many seats in the Gold area - but they removed some of the seats which equaled increased comfort and better safety. The band "Mint Condition" set up too quickly and needed to tune their guitars and get the sound done properly...

Hideaway Park is an excellent venue. Outstanding atmosphere and sound quality. They did a great job of recovering from the lightning storm and deluge. Having said that, it would be wonderful if they would invite more artists who actually play jazz. Charlie Wilson and Mint Condition qualify as jazz only under the most generous of definitions. On the other hand, Dotsero, Summer of Soul, David Sanborn and Brian Culbertson were just what was needed to satisfy the jazz enthusiast. Too bad they cut Eric Darrius' set instead of Mint Condition's as a result of the weather delay.

Although the weather didn't want to cooperate, a great time was had by all!

Great venue, great line-up and great location. Could have used more than 4 volunteer staff checking bags and ticketing. Had to endure a long wait both days to get in to the fesitval.

Issue #1: There are serious Life Safety Issues at this event. The single main entrance is also designated as the single main exit. In an emergency, you can jump fences, barricades, and run for your life, but there are no designated means of egress which are specifically designated as such. Row and aisle spacing are almost non-existent, compounding the problem. In a perceived emergency situation, hundreds of people will be trying to exit the same way that they came in...that's human nature. Trampling will occur and there will be many injuries, perhaps even deaths. The Solution: provide two, if not three, designated points of entry and exit around the perimeter of Hideaway Park. Provide adequate row and aisle spacing. Issue #2: Staffing. Police presence was sparse. Event Staff man entry points, but do nothing else but become intoxicated throughout the day. I go to the beer line, and there are the Event Staff drinking as well. The Solution: More police. Sober Event Staff. Issue #3: Our seats were directly behind the "Gold Circle" seats...row 3 of the VIP section. Those seats are also on top of a vent pipe for the city sewage system. We had the unique opportunity to smell open sewage the entire day = 8 hours. The Solution: Public Works needs to address this issue. Issue #4: Screening Upon Entry With one main point of entry for the VIP and General Public, it can take up to an hour to be screened upon entry. Screening is absolutely vital to the safety of the patrons. Additional points of screening/entry are need. See Issue #1.

Crowd was ready for this duo and they delivered! What a way to end the jazz festival. Also loved Hazel Miller - lucky to have such a great local talent.

I paid top dollar for 2 seats in gold section reserved (@$100 each). We wound up right in front of the giant speakers! We asked to move and all that was available was still way to close to the speakers. I've been coming to this festival for many years (missed last year for the 1st time). We used to be able to get seats in the reserved section and then get there early to pick them. At the very least, why would they put anyone right in front of the speakers - during the festival no one set in these 2 areas in front of speakers, even though very close to stage. So we had to move to an overflow section much farther back and of course couldn't see David Sanborn and Brian Culberson close up as I had expected to and paid for.

These guys are truly talented musicians! They are gifted beyond words. They made the whole concert worth seeing. The only downside to the day was the rain delay and Eric Darius not performing any solo acts.

I really enjoyed Saturday's show. Charlie Wilson gave us a SHOW.....

My sister and I attended the event and had the gold tickets. We were excited about the line up and looked forward to hearing some gtreat Jazz; however, the seats were so close together I was in too much pain to really enjoy it. I am 5'11" tall and with the chair configuration i was constantly trying to get comfortable. Also,the lunch provided was horrible.

I was able to attend both days (Day 1 and 2) of the Winter Park Jazz Festival with my 20-son and 15 year old- daughter. They and I enjoyed all the performances and the event atmosphere. The weather was unpredictable, as it was sunny-hot, heavily rained with wind (mostly on the second day) and was cold in the evenings. Notwithstanding, the event was off the chain. The first day was extremely pack owing to Charlie Wilson, Warren Hill and Jonathan Butler. The second day was great as well. My kids and I started going last year (2011). We intend to go every year while we are here in Colorado. Until 2013....

This was my 3rd Winter Park Jazz Festival, and the VIP assigned seating has to GO! We aren't sardines! There was no room to sit and truly enjoy the concert comfortably. I would have been better off with General Admission seating and arriving there early for a good spot, especially for what I paid for each ticket. For both days, for two people was $246.50. That's a lot, not to be comfortable. Also, where was the VIP treatment? We had to wait in line with all the other General Admission folks to get in. Also, what's with not allowing coolers in? I know of several people who had to leave their coolers at the front, or take them back to their cars. If people are there for 6 hours each day, they want to feel free to bring their own stuff and not be at the mercy of the vendor pricing. Also, there was tooooo much of a delay in turning around the acts this year. Whoever they were aren't good. When Chaka Khan came, the turnaround was great! This year between Mint Condition and Brian Culbertson and David Sandborn, it took over an hour. That's terrible! Becky Taylor told us on more than one occasion that the turnaround would be short. But the reality was it wasn't. I feel bad also that we didn t get to really hear Eric Darius because of the rain. The time should have been extended, because if you do have Eric back, we still have to pay again, just to see him. Also, what happened to Mesa? She didn t show and Warren Hill was late! And, there s no excuse for Warren Hill. He lives right here in Boulder. Thanks to Charlie Wilson and the combo of Culbertson and Sandborn for saving the 30th year celebration. Otherwise, it would have sucked.

I was so elated, everything was wonderful. The energy was awesome.

I came in from Savannah GA and was not prepared for the winding mountain roads or the altitude but with the performances given at the Winter Park Jazz Festival the anxiety I felt getting there will be repeated next year! Charlie Wilson gave an amazing performance with spectacular dancers and band. Definitely got the crowd excited and on our feet. Mint Condition hit us with some favorite oldies and got us bobbing and dancing to their new music. David Sanborn and The Key Spanking Brian Culbertson brought the festival to a end and left me wanting more and more and more........ All I can say is See You Next Year and I am spreading the word!

All of the groups I saw were top notch performers, worked great through the weather delay (rain) and gave their all for the crowd. Highly recommended. The only thing I disliked was the short time - most Jazz and Blues fests I attend begin around 11 a.m. and end around 12 p.m. - this one was 6 hours shorter and thus had less bands, none of the extras like learning harmonica or events for kids or new band trials on breaks between big names. Otherwise, this was fun and I love Winterpark so will of course attend again.

The line-up was great. Very entertaining and talented musicians.

First time at jazz festival and the whole experience was exceptional from parking to where we sat because we didn't get rained on and Charlie Wilson, of course! Would definitely go again!!!

It was okay. The best was Charlie he did his thank with the bright collors once of them had purple and lime green and that's how I had my nails and toes painted so I was into it all the way. There colors made if even so better to look at not just a white or black outfit or jeans. I would see Charlie again. Next time we need more intertainers worth the money and maybe we could move it to where it use to be this way we have more space and more events to do other things while waiting in between shows.

Loved Charlie Wilson. Jonathan Butler, Warren Hill performance was cut short and several of their band members didn't make the gig because of cancelled flights. Bummed about that. Venue is a little too intimate for me... I like the mountainside instead. Overall, good value and got to love live music.

Mayor Hancock set the tone with a lovely prayer and acknowledgement for all those touched by the Aurora tragedy. Our first lady of Denver, Mary Louis represented - Chaka Khan would have been proud. Can you say Uncle Charlie! Overall the music was wonderful, nice selection of vendors - bought a great hat and cute dress for Sunday. Fantastic to see so many friends enjoying Winter Park. VIP seating was ridiculously cramped - felt like a sardine. Just wrong for having to pay premium $$$. Will NOT buy VIP seats again.

This was my first time to the Winter Park Jazz fest. Outstanding, this will be an annual event for my wife and I. I cannot wait until next year. Uncle Charlie Wilson turned it out!!!!

My sweetheart (my wife), and I both enjoyed Brian and David. It rained "cat and dogs" prior to their performance but it did not hamper anything. We did not leave for a flood of rain. In fact we would have stayed during a Hurricane if necessary. We drove for three hours to get to the event. It did not matter. In fact if Brian or David ever return to the Colorado we will drive how ever long to go see them.

Regardless of the rain and high altitude with little air, Uncle Charlie blew the crowd away! Old school was thrilled by the number of hits from the Gap Band and New school jammed as well. The costume changes were fantastic and beautiful.

Attended the winter park jazz fest and Saturday was the best day. Sunday began with a decent group "Tight Like that" followed by "Dotsero" and Chrisette Michele. Chrisette was terrible--man bashing, bible toting - bore! We pay to hear you perform not preachI Keep religion to yourself--most people don't care about your religious views. Boney James stole the show with an up beat sound and skillful artistry--he was awesome. We left when Brian McKnight started doing his intimate night club routine while surround by beautiful mountain scenery. It didn't work!

EVERY ARTIST AND GROUP THAT WE HEARD WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT I AM ALREADY PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR.

Great show with great music. all of the performers were outstanding. Sorry to miss the last performer because of the starting rain. Loved the general admission seating but hated the seats/chairs that have built in cover. They always seem to block your view wherever you sit. Glad they got rid of the tents .. seat umbrella next ?

GEORGE BENSON - Excellent! LARRY GRAHAM & GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION - Best of the Day!!! JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL feat. JEFF LORBER, CHUCK LOEB, EVERETTE HARP - Great! ELAN TROTMAN AND SPECIAL GUEST JESSY J - SUPER, esp. Jessy J! MARY LOUISE LEE BAND - Average BRIAN MCKNIGHT - Talented but NOT JAZZ. R&B Love Songs - BORING!!!! BONEY JAMES - BEST OF DAY--->High Energy AWESOME!! :) CHRISETTE MICHELE - Absolutely TERRIBLE!! DO NOT BRING BACK!! DOTSERO - More volume & noise than music. Rate as average. TIGHT LIKE THAT - AWESOME local band!

Great show, great location, friendly people, good food but not enough beer selections/varieties offered.

The venue over all was good, but some of the acts didn't fit as this is a jazz festival. Larry Graham and and graham central station was a let down after being entertained by Jazz Funk and Soul. Brian McKnight has a lot of talent but his style I wouldn't call jazz. He closed the show on Sunday. I would have loved to see Boney James close the show ! I have been going to Winter Park for the jazz festival for 10 years, I miss the mountain the park gets worse every year it is to small and they continue to cram more people in, and the ticket prices just keep going up. If you want to get in first the express lane is 25.00 per day as the VIP section is first come first serve. Katherine Ross who puts it all together struggles to get big name artists. I don't know if we will be back next year.

The lineup was great, that is why we were there. The facilities were good except for the restroom setup. We pay big bucks for this festival and have to use gross porta-potties. The one regular restroom always had a big line. Winter Park needs to build another regular restroom if you want to have a big event there every year. Food and drinks overpriced for what you got. A lot of people just went outside of the festival for affordable food.

All performer were outstanding. There were technical problems with some of the equipment but overall it was a great concert.

The early group of Jeff Lorber and co. were fantastic. They had no sound system issues either. We thoroughly enjoyed them. However, the last two groups including George, who was the reason for our attendance had sound system issues. To add insult to injury there was an inebriated woman in front of us who could not stand up. 25 minutes into my all-time favorite George Benson, we left. It was to be my 7th concert of his. I felt that between the sound system issues and what was probably going to be forthcoming from the inebriated woman, I felt it was time to go. Her boyfriend had been smoking during the event also and we had to get one of the "crew" to ask him to stop. The rest of the crowd was great; unfortunately we picked the wrong place to sit. From now on I will only attend concerts that are a small venue with specific reserved seating.

Enjoyed George Benson, Boney James, Larry Graham and Dotsero. Always is a great concert. Only concern was that there was too much R & B singing this year compared to previous years. Having both Chrisette Michele and Brian McKnight the same day and having McKnight end the concert did not appear to work well.

Great artists, great venue. Only issue this year was difficulties with the sound system on Saturday.

Technical difficulties really KILLED the GLORY By the time George Benson came on (was amazing to see the audience really) getting into a lot of his ole school songs. BUT, people were tired and wanted to go home. He's an amazing Musician for his age (70's) what a man!

All performers were awesome but I went to see George, Chrisette and Brian and they did not disappoint.

I think this year seating set up was much better than last year's sardine sandwich we were forced into. We had great seats with enough space to feel comfortable. Out of the acts this year, I thought Eric Darius and his band were off the chain. You could really feel the passion in every song he played. Dotsero is a great opening act! The Horns of Summer were great! Dave, Gerald, Mindy, and Richard really put on a show. I also like the fact that they all stuck around to let us get autographs and pictures. That was a real treat. Hopefully, you all can bring in George Benson, Kirk Whalum, or Kenny G. That would be a real treat, Much better organized this year, especially with the changeover between. They were real pros. You need to keep that team. They kept things on schedule.

jAZZ FESTIVAL WAS GREAT FOR 2 DAY EVENT. I AM GOING NEXT YEAR .

Out of the 31 years (skipped a couple) I have been going to the Jazz Fest up there this was one of the best Jazz Fest I've gone to.

I truly enjoyed my weekend at the Winter Park Jazz Festival. It was one of the greatest moments I've had since moving to Colorado 20 years ago. I'm looking forward to another concert in 2014.

Great event and fabulous music. Just wish we would have brought hats and chairs as it was a very hot day! Get there early to get a spot where you can see the band and to avoid the entrance line.

I attended only Sunday, but the concert and artists did a great job. All the acts put on a good show and kept our attention. Good entertainment and great music!

it was great. no complaints about anything. my husband and I said we would come back next year.

This was one of the best lineups in years! Summer Horns and Eric Darius ROCKED it! The venue was great, with the additions of the three separate lines! Getting rid of "reserved seating" for VIP was a GREAT improvement!

The perfomances were incredible! The view was spectacular & the weather was great! This is why I love Colorado!

We only attended the Sunday performances, but from start to finish we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The headliners for Sunday; Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, MindI Abair, and Stephen Elliott were unbelievable! Any of the 4 could have stolen the show, but their collaborations just sizzled in the July heat. We can't wait for next year to do it all over again. If I could sum it up in one word? Superfantabulistic!!!

The 2 day concert was awesome! Dave Koz and his guests were Fabulous. As well as Euge Groove. I look forward to Dave Koz's upcoming album! However I was disappointed with Musiq Souldchild! Everyone else was great. The Venue was awesome. I will be back there again next year!!!

The venue and crowd were both fun and amazing. However, the line-up of Acts could use work. I attend and will continue to attend this event but I have found myself less interested in the festival because of the Acts presented, are somewhat has-been and past their prime; this year Musiq Soulchild last year Chaka Kahn both were horrible. Just saying None-the-less Winter Park is Winter Park I recommend attending this event

Great concert, beautiful day in WinterPark!! No rain this year! Missed Dotsero but I know they were good they always are. The rest of the bands were great, always enjoy the Jazz festival. One question/complaint - why do the MC's whatever come on right after the bands finish giving no time/chance for the band to perform an encore. I have only been to a few concerts where the bands have not performed an encore and the audience was not happy. It really annoys me that the bands at WinterPark do not perform an encore, what's up with that!!!! It makes a not good ending for a great day!! The audience seems to accept it, which is also amazing to me.

We had an amazing time. Really enjoyed the show. We look forward to next year!

Great line up, the Southern Gentlemen were terrific along with Eric Darius and the Summer Horns. Lots of good energy and a great venue.