First-ever Cambridge Jazz Festival on the way this spring

Swing and rhythm are on the way to Cambridge with the city set to host its first-ever jazz festival this spring.

The Cambridge Jazz Festival is set to be held at Tapestry Hall in the city’s Gaslight District. Performers are currently set to include groups such as Tim Louis and his Six-Piece Band, Red Hot Ramble, and Pretzel Logic. Heather Bamrick will also perform, slated to be the event’s MC.

The festival is being organized by the Galt Jazz Music Series, an award-winning group that has hosted other jazz-focused functions across Cambridge since it was first formed in 2022.

It was first created by Cambridge residents Dave and Ruth Ottenbrite, with the two saying it was a way to give “something of cultural value” to their newly adopted city. They said Galt Jazz is also working to aid with revitalizing Cambridge’s downtown core.

Galt Jazz says it is still on the hunt for additional funds to help launch the inaugural event. It says it’s aiming to raise $10,000 in seed money to ensure its success.

A GoFundMe page has been created for anyone looking to aid in covering the “myriad of costs essential in the making of all successful festivals, including venue setup, sound equipment, permits, security, and marketing efforts.” According to the GoFundMe page, already close to $3,700 has been raised.

The festival will be a non-profit event, with a portion of the proceeds said to be donated to the Cambridge Food Bank. Galt Jazz says it has donated over $10,000 to the food bank throughout its various events over the past few years.

Tickets are available for $45 and the event will run on Apr. 27 between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., doors are set to open at 12 p.m.

The full list of details for the event, along with its performers, can be found on the Cambridge Jazz Festival website.