By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–An event that has recently become a relaxing summer tradition in Helena has plans to return for a fourth consecutive year when Magic City Smooth Jazz and the Jazz in the Park program returns in early July.

Jazz in the Park, a free concert featuring smooth jazz artists, will return to the Helena Amphitheater on Sunday, July 8, from 6-9 p.m. and anyone is encouraged to attend the event. The event will be highlighted by musicians North “Zunes” Woodall and Lin Rountree.

In years past, many families enjoyed the jazz entertainment in a laid-back environment while relaxing in tailgate chairs and enjoying food and beverages near the banks of Buck Creek.

Magic City Smooth Jazz and the Jazz in the Park program’s purpose is to enhance cultural arts in communities, support area jazz musicians and educate youth and adults through music workshops.

Since its inception in 2008, Magic City Smooth Jazz has presented more than 50 free concerts for the public while supporting more than 250 Alabama jazz artists while impacting the lives of more than 20,000 adults and children, according to the organization.
Magic City Smooth Jazz is an IRS registered 501 (c)(3) charitable organization with the mission being to expose and engage audiences in culturally underserved communities in the state of Alabama to various styles of jazz at no cost to the public.

The Jazz in the Park program has expanded to offer 28 free concerts in 2018, including the July 8 concert in Helena. The first free concert will take place April 8 and the final concert of the season will be held on Oct. 14.

For more information on Magic City Smooth and to view a full schedule for Jazz in the Park events, visit Magiccitysmoothjazz.com.