Atlanta Jazz Festival… 1978
It was September 21st that the inaugural Atlanta Free Jazz Festival was launched with a budget of $19,000. The city was only able to offer $150 for the group leader and $50-$75 for each sideman. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Peaches record store came on as sponsors and Eastern Airlines provided transportation and was named the festival’s “Official Airline”. With the help Capital Records, CBS Records, Philly Jazz Records and Versatile Records committed to sending some of their best talent coupled with the inclusion of many of Atlanta’s hottest local musicians, a total of 29 acts were ready to take the stage over the three days. This instantly made it the largest free jazz festival in the nation.
The four day festival opening ceremonies commenced at 11:30am in Central City Park Amphitheater (now Woodruff Park) with Sil Austin and Vili Lakatos hitting the stage. More music was heard at Peachtree Center, Atlantic Civic Center and Piedmont Park with the Ojeda Penn Experience, Sun Ra Arkestra, the Paul Mitchell Trio, Jean Carn and then 12 year old drum sensation Terri Lyne Carrington.
Included in the lineup of artists who performed on the stages throughout the weekend were Ted Howe, Joe Jennings Life Force, Joi Taubin and Nucleus, Buckwheat, Skip Lane and Blues, Tommy Stewart’ All Stars, Jerry Farber Quartet, Sammy Duncan, Caldera, Gary Bartz, Raul de Souza, Bobby Lyle, Dave Wilson Orchestra, Clark College Jazz Band, Nick’sFlamingo Grill, Morehouse Jazz Band, Vinnie O’Neal, Yikes, Bill Braynon’s Positive Energy, Byrd Lancaster and Arthur Blythe.
Thus from humble beginnings, one of the country’s best jazz festivals was given birth and has grown to become 40. Next week – 1979…
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