Under the direction of Harriet Sanford the 1989 Atlanta Jazz Series geared up and took place over the course of three weekends from June 2nd – August 6th in various locations around the city. On June 2nd performances were held at Center Stage Theatre, June 3rd had workshops at Rich Auditorium and performance at Grant Park, and June 4th performances were also at Grant Park. Performances were held on July 7th at Center Stage Theatre, July 8th at Piedmont Park and a July 9th lecture at Rich Auditorium and performance at Piedmont Park. August 4th hosted music at Center Stage theatre, August 5th with lecture at Rich Auditorium and performance at Piedmont Park and closing out the series on August 6th were performances in Piedmont Park.

Bring their talent to the stages were the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Germaine Bazzle, Walter Bishop Jr., Ed Blackwell, Jane Ira Bloom, Hamiet Bluiett, Benny Carter, Ron Carter, Olu Dara, Miles Davis, Jon Faddis, Jim Hall, Billy Harper, Freddie Hubbard, Improvisational Arts Quintet, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, John McLaughlin, Jackie McLean, Charles McPherson, Frank Morgan, Amina Claudia Myers, Joe Pass, David Peaston, Courtney Pine, Sun Ra Arkestra, Arthur Taylor, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Williams, World Saxophone Quartet and the Young Tuxedo Brass Band.

Sponsorship was provided by AT&T, City Beverage Company, Coors Brewing Company, Creative Loafing, Jazziz, National Endowment for the Arts, Technics, WVEE/103 FM, WCLK/91.9 FM and Wyndham Midtown Atlanta.