By Rachel Munday
Downtown Springfield is about to come alive with the sound of jazz. On Saturday, September 27, the Downtown Jazz Takeover will transform the city center into an all-day music experience, featuring performances across multiple stages and venues. From free concerts to a show at the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment, the event promises to be a showcase of talent, community and the timeless energy of jazz.A Citywide Stage for JazzMusic will spill into the streets beginning in the afternoon, as some of the area’s most exciting jazz performers take to stages at Park Central Square, Hold Fast Brewing, Mother’s Brewing Company and Springfield Brewing Company. Concerts will run throughout the afternoon and evening, ensuring that whether visitors are enjoying a beer with friends, grabbing a bite to eat, or strolling through the Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks on the square, they’ll be surrounded by the vibrant sounds of live music.Park Central Square will serve as one of the main hubs, with performances scheduled from 2:30 p.m. into the night. Attendees can look forward to multiple sets, including evening Live from Downtown performances that will keep the square energized well into the evening hours.Meanwhile, local breweries add their flavor to the celebration and you can catch shows at Hold Fast Brewing, Mother’s Brewing Company and Springfield Brewing Company. Each of these performances is free and open to the public, making the Takeover available to music lovers of all ages.The day will crescendo with a ticketed performance at the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment, where an all-star trio will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Legendary banjoist Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda, and Grammy-winning drummer Antonio Sánchez will deliver a one-of-a-kind show blending virtuosic musicianship and boundary-pushing jazz. Tickets for the Gillioz performance range from $54 to $84, and demand is expected to be high for this internationally renowned ensemble.A Celebration of CommunityThe Downtown Jazz Takeover is a celebration of Springfield’s thriving downtown and the power of community partnerships. The event is presented with the support of a wide array of local organizations and businesses, including the City of Springfield, Downtown Springfield Association, Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District, Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks, Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment, Headline Productions, Hold Fast Brewing Company, Live from Downtown, Missouri Arts Council, Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO), Mother’s Brewing Company, Springfield Brewing Company, Springfield Regional Arts Council, and Unite News.With the exception of the Gillioz show, all Downtown Jazz Takeover performances are free. Organizers encourage attendees to spend the day downtown, taking in the sights, enjoying local food and drink, and soaking up an atmosphere filled with rhythm and creativity.“Events like this are what make downtown Springfield special,” said organizers. “It’s about music, yes—but it’s also about people coming together, filling our public spaces and celebrating the cultural heartbeat of the city.”The Downtown Jazz Takeover promises to be a highlight of Springfield’s fall calendar, bringing world-class music and local flavor together in one unforgettable day. Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and get ready to let the music move you.For more information and a schedule, visit itsalldowntown.com
