Highland Jazz and Blues Festival Turns 20: A Retrospective on Music, Mascots, and Mayhem

The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is back for its 20th year, and Columbia Park is ready to groove, shimmy, and—let’s be honest—probably spill a little barbecue sauce on your favorite festival shirt. On September 14, 2024, Shreveport’s Historic Highland Neighborhood will transform into a musical mecca featuring everything from blues legends to budding school band maestros, and possibly a few jazz-loving squirrels (no confirmation yet, but the park is packed with them).

Musical Mayhem on Two Stages

This year’s lineup is so packed it might just make your head spin—and not just because you’ve had one too many beignets. Leading the charge is D.K. Harrell, the Ruston-born blues artist who’s been described as having the soul of B.B. King and the energy of someone who’s just found out the pizza is half-off. Harrell, who’s wowed audiences from New Orleans to Memphis, is ready to bring his blues to the Highland crowd with a set that promises to make even the park’s century-old oak trees tap their roots.

Music Lineup for the 20th Anniversary of the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival

If that’s not enough to get your toes tapping, the festival also boasts acts like The Shreveport Bone Society (no, not a secret society of archaeologists—though that would be cool), Betty Lewis and the Executives (because every festival needs some executive blues business), and Pocket Chocolate (who we hope also sells pocket chocolate).

And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to see the future of music, look no further than the Creswell Blazin’ Beatz and the Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program. These young musicians are guaranteed to bring the heat—just make sure to bring earplugs if you’re prone to spontaneous dance outbreaks.

Posters, Pets, and Perplexed Park Rangers

This year’s official festival poster has caused quite the stir, as it was designed by none other than Parkway High School senior and digital art prodigy, Kyleigh McVay. Her design features a bluebird (who we’re pretty sure moonlights as Jazzy, the festival’s mascot) strumming a guitar alongside jazz-playing bandmates. This delightful scene has us all wondering if Jazzy’s next album will drop on Spotify or just be broadcast directly to the park’s squirrels.

For her work, McVay was awarded $500, which she’s reportedly planning to spend on art supplies, a lifetime supply of coffee, and possibly a bodyguard to protect her from overzealous bluebirds wanting her autograph.

But it’s not all music and posters—oh no! The festival also offers a Children’s Area, where kids can paint, craft, and probably glue their fingers together, as well as a Pet Park, where your furry friends can join in the fun. Just keep an eye on your corgi; rumor has it they’ve been forming a jazz band of their own.

Free Admission and a Free Shuttle – But Not Free Snacks

Best of all, the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is completely free to attend! So, you can save your cash for more important things, like artisanal crafts, gourmet food truck delicacies, and maybe a festival t-shirt (because we all know you need one more to add to the collection).

And if you’re worried about parking, don’t fret—the festival offers a free shuttle service sponsored by Louisiana Healthcare Connections. The only catch? The shuttle won’t be making any drive-thru stops, so be sure to grab your snacks at the festival—there’ll be plenty of options!

So mark your calendars, grab your dancing shoes, and get ready for a day of music, art, and potentially confusing park rangers who’ll be wondering why everyone’s jazzing up Columbia Park. The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival’s 20th anniversary is shaping up to be the best one yet—just don’t forget to tip the squirrels. They’ve been working hard.