Blue Bamboo's annual jazz festival is a 4 day celebration. Most shows feature 2 different groups, and we try to present something new each year. This year features a diverse group of artists, some local and some touring internationally.

September 14, 2023

Guitarist/vocalist Chris Cortez is also the proprietor of Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. With the help of a grant from the city of Winter Park, Chris leads his group through a concert set every Thursday night, followed by a jazz jam session, all free of charge to the general public. Band members include Doug Mathews, Walt Hubbard, and Ed Krout.

Chris has 9 CDs as a leader, 30 as a producer, and 15 as a sideman. In addition to running the center, Cortez and his wife Melody also own Blue Bamboo Music, a record label supporting a dozen jazz artists. You can hear samples of Chris's records, purchase CDs.

Alain Bradette is a featured performer with Cirque Du Soleil and also leads his own quartet featuring Thomas Milovac, Walt Hubbard, and Bob Thornton.

Time : 8:00 PM

September 15, 2023

Originally from Chicago, John Redfield is a virtuoso pianist that has been blowing Bamboo audiences away for the last year or so. In John's playing the influence of piano masters like Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly, and Art Tatum can be heard.

Septessence is a brand new local band featuring members of UCF's Flying Horse Big Band, led by bassist Nashir Janmohamed.  We're proud to have hosted their premier performance at Blue Bamboo.

Time : 8:00 PM

September 16, 2023

Chris Cortez's solo shows are a completely different atmosphere from his quartet and quintet shows. Featuring just an acoustic guitar, amazing playing, bluesy vocals, and a handful of stories from the road, Chris takes you on an intimate journey of virtuosity, wisdom, and humor.

Blues Beatles are a group from Brazil who play Beatles songs in a Chicago Blues style. That may sound crazy, but it works in the most amazing ways. The familiar melodies work perfectly in this setting, and the group delivers high energy, rocking versions of your favorite Beatle tunes in a way you never imagined them.

Time : 8:00 PM

September 17, 2023

The Orlando Jazz Orchestra has been performing at Blue Bamboo since our opening 7 years ago. One of the most polished, professional big bands you will hear anywhere in the world, this group features the best musicians our area has to offer. Led by the talented drummer Greg Parnell, OJO shows are filled with wonderful music, and informed by Greg's fascinating presentations about the history of each tune.

Time : 3:00 PM

Date : September 14 - 17, 2023

Location : Blue Bamboo Center For The Arts - 1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Click here for more information.