Fort Worth Library Announces 2018 Jazz Series Lineup

May 1,2018

Back for its ninth year bringing local and internationally acclaimed jazz performers to Fort Worth, the Third Thursday Jazz series presented by the Fort Worth Library will debut on Thursday, May 17.  Programs will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown Fort Worth Central library located at Third and Taylor Streets every third Thursday of the month, May through September 2018. 

With a robust collection of jazz music, literature and expanding archives, the Fort Worth Library is committed to honoring the heritage of jazz in Fort Worth and developing quality, inspiring programming for patrons.  Through the continued support of the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation, who sponsors the series annually, the program remains free to attendees. 

“I’m proud of the staff that curated a lineup that speaks to the breadth of the jazz genre,” said Library Director Manya Shorr, “and we are so grateful to our foundation and their donors for continuing to support the quality programs we produce.” 

The 2018 series will kick-off May 17 with The Thaddeus Ford Band’s exploration of Miles Davis’ electric period from the 1970s.   June programming will feature the Duane Durrett Quartet performing the music of legendary saxophonist and contemporary composer, Wayne Shorter. As the summer moves on, Fort Worth native Audra Scott will join Music Mentors of Texas in the July installment performing an array of literary jazz ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Jessye Norman.  The third Thursday in August brings Mario Cruz & His Curious Muse to the library for an evening of jazz at the movies, where patrons will enjoy favorite movie soundtracks. 

The 2018 featured performance to close the series will be Grammy-nominated Fred Hersch Trio on Sept. 20. In its fifth edition, trio has toured internationally and now includes John Hebert on bass and Eric McPherson on drums.  

For more information about the Third Thursday Jazz series, visit ThirdThursdayJazz.org. 

Patrons attending these free events should remember that seating is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and explore the library’s collection for quality jazz materials including recordings, biographies and more.