jazz

Lovers of live jazz in Boston face tough decisions this fall: How to choose among the many shows featuring numerous first-rate performers?

As our gem and gravity center, Black popular music culture used to be the place where we found answers and joy, a balm in our Gilead. A Stevie Wonder song, or a hip-hop anthem like “Headed for Self-Destruction” was a map. Aretha sang about “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

In 2016, Fred Woodard envisioned bringing more jazz music to Dorchester and Roxbury by organizing a day dedicated to the genre.

The Newport Jazz Festival enters its 70th year this summer. Starting Aug. 2 and running through Aug. 4, the festival’s lineup is an inclusive and eclectic musical selection that defies genres.

For one weekend in July, Danehy Park in Cambridge transforms into a dance party, a celebration of community, a local business market, a cookout, and most importantly — a two-day jazz concert.

When Yoron Israel began pursuing a career as a professional drummer, he looked to trailblazing musician, composer and bandleader Max Roach for inspiration. Born in 1924, Roach was one of the pioneers of bebop, the fast-tempo jazz style that emerged in the 1940s. He was also a role model.

In 2023, a newly renovated historic building became the location of Long Live Roxbury, a taproom serving various beers, pilsners, stouts and sours. Built in the 1800s, the Boston Piano Company edifice on Hampden Street maintains its recognizable Boston charm on the outside, while an event series inside leans into another part of this city’s identity: live music.

The Arlington Jazz Festival will bring the croons of local and international musicians to town next month for the 13th year.

Cécile McLorin Salvant is a jazz vocalist, but her latest album “Mélusine,” pushes the boundaries of the genre.

Boston-based saxophonist and composer Jonathan Suazo released “Ricano” on Aug. 4, 2023, and the album was recently named by The New York Times as one of the 10 best, across all genres, for the year.

Gregory Groover Jr. and his quartet will perform songs from his two albums, “Negro Spiritual Songbook, Vol. 1” and “Negro Spiritual Songbook, Vol. 2: The Message,” on Oct. 21 as part of the Celebrity Series of Boston.

A great number of musicians will be performing in venues throughout Boston this fall, making up for time lost during the pandemic.