Right Place, Right Time: Dr. John headlines Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Known for his 1973 tune, "Right Place Wrong Time," Dr. John couldn't have picked a better time to play the Twin Cities Jazz Festival (TCJF).
Marking new territory for the popular event, the legendary jazz and blues man will play a concert at the newly opened CHS Field in St. Paul on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Best of all, it's free, and just a few blocks from the festival's home base in Lowertown's Mears Park.
The use of the St. Paul Saints' home as a venue is just one small part of a big expansion for TCJF, which KSTP says is doubling in size in this, its 17th year running.
The station says organizers expect to draw 30,000 people, who will get to enjoy twice as many performances as in previous years on "more stages than ever."
The event's official website says this also includes 20 participating indoor clubs in and around St. Paul, where a "mix of local and regional artists" will display their virtuosity in live jam sessions.
The Star Tribune notes that, this year, festival organizers "wisely decided to maximize the participation of clubs along the light rail line on University Avenue."
On that note, all curious jazz-seekers need do to get to the bash – for free – is download a Metro Transit pass from the TCJF website, good for no-cost rides on public buses and the light rail.
However, 30,000 people is a heck of a big crowd, so organizers are advising those interested in seeing Dr. John and the Nite Trippers to reserve their tickets in advance.
While admission is free, concert-goers are encouraged to give $15 tax-deductible donations to help support TCJF.
According to a Facebook post, the performance kicks off at 2:30 p.m. when the Jack Brass Brand opens for Dr. John.
TCJF officially kicked off Thursday night and runs through Saturday.
Schedules, artist information and other vitals about the fest can all be found by clicking here.