Stowe Jazz Festival
Stowe Jazz Festival
keep going. It must keep going because the work it does is so valuable, and I’ m obviously passionate about it.”
By most indicators, the health of the jazz scene globally is quite optimistic. More young people are learning to play at a high level than ever before. This is true in Stowe as well, though as Petit observes,“ I think that it’ s healthy up here, but by virtue of the fact that we’ re not a huge populace and there’ s not a lot of venues to play jazz, we could do better.” Sustained growth of the local jazz scene would be a worthwhile goal. If enough communities take notice, SJF could be an independent festival model worth replicating.
If all communities have distinct defining characteristics, for Stowe those include a tourist economy drawing on its surrounding natural landscape. It also includes community events and festivals that celebrate what
the area produces. Thanks to George Walker Petit, the area now produces jazz in a big way, with an even bigger smile.
To punctuate that sentiment, he conjures a recent festival memory. One day he happened upon a famous jazz drummer, playing catch with his daughter behind the mainstage. When asked if this is the sort of thing he does at other famous jazz festivals, the drummer replied,“ No, other festivals don’ t have a vibe like this.” But seeing families out playing ball and running with their dogs, it just felt right. Says Petit,“ That is, as far as I’ m concerned, a signal that our mission has been accomplished.” n
Stowe Jazz Festival 2026 happens August 14-16. More info at:
stowejazzfestival. org
Ed Cherry and kids.( Photo courtesy of Kev Fitzgerald)
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