The Gillioz Theatre plans to hit all the right notes in April with Jazz Festival

Presented by the Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment

This post was paid for and produced by the Gillioz Theatre. The Daily Citizen newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content.

Harmony in the Ozarks: The Inaugural Gillioz Jazz Festival

Mark your calendars for April 5-7, as the Ozarks usher in a new era with the first annual Gillioz Jazz Festival.

April is not just a month; it’s a melody waiting to be explored. The Gillioz has made its way back to the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Springfield, Missouri. The historic Gillioz invites you to join a weekend celebration that honors America’s soulful art form — Jazz.

A Journey Through Time and Sound

The journey begins on Friday night, April 5, as the historic Gillioz lobby transforms into the Jazz Café. Immerse yourself in the allure of Smithsonian art featuring jazz legends, sip on premium concoctions at the bar, and savor delectable treats from the likes of Don Tono Mexican Food and Smore Killer Desserts. TheTHIRDFloor awaits exploration with tours of Resident Companies like MOJO, Ozarks Lyric Opera, view captivating art from Two Black Ravens, watch SATO48 shorts screenings, and two free guided tours of the Gillioz Theatre at 6 & 7:30 p.m. Admission to the Gillioz Jazz Café and TheTHIRDFloor is FREE!

An Encore on Saturday

As the sun rises on Saturday, the Jazz Café returns for another day of bliss from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Live music will serenade your senses from Hamm/Aho/Bohrisch Trio, Matt Harp Trio, John Strickler Trio, Brant Jester Trio, and Arthur Duncan Trio. In addition, the air will be filled with the sweet aroma of Don Tono Mexican Food and smore like desserts. Admission to the Gillioz Jazz Café is Free!

Join us on April 6 for a headline performance by none other than New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis and MOJO at 8 p.m. Branford Marsalis, an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, and composer, will grace the historic Gillioz Theatre as the headlining artist of the 2024 Gillioz Jazz Festival. A true Jazz Master, he brings with him a legacy marked by three Grammys and an exceptional contribution to contemporary artistic excellence. Secure your tickets here.

A Grand Finale on Sunday

Conclude the weekend with a free screening of the classic “Wizard of Oz” at 2 p.m. Follow the yellow brick road and join Dorothy and her colorful cast of characters in an epic adventure that reminds us all that, “There’s no place like home.”

Join us for a weekend where the spirit of Jazz comes alive, echoing through the halls of the Gillioz Theatre. Let the music take you on a journey, and let’s make history together at the 2024 Gillioz Jazz Festival!

The historic Gillioz Theatre was established in 1926 with the dawning of film and the creation of Route 66, referred to as the mother road, that would connect travelers across the United States. Restored as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit in 2006, the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment is committed to preserving the past, celebrating community, and making memories through arts, education, and entertainment. To view upcoming events, buy tickets, volunteer, or learn more, visit gillioztheatre.com.

This post was paid for and produced by the Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment a Champion Partner of the Springfield Daily Citizen. The Daily Citizen newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content. To be accepted, sponsored content must be consistent with the news or features topics, and the Springfield-centric geography, of the Daily Citizen. For questions or information about sponsored content, please contact Daily Citizen CEO David Stoeffler at dstoeffler@sgfcitizen.org. To become a Daily Citizen partner, please contact Partnership Sales Manager John Tate at jtate@sgfcitizen.org