Salem Jazz and Soul Festival

08/30/2026

Sandy’s and Lennie’s kept North Shore jazz moving for generations.

Salem Willows Jazz History · Part 4 of 5

Sandy’s Jazz Revival in Beverly and Lennie’s on the Turnpike in Peabody carried the region’s jazz tradition forward long after the great ballrooms faded.

Their stages welcomed artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, and many more—connecting generations of musicians and audiences across the North Shore.

The venues are gone, but the musical community they helped build is still here.

08/28/2026

Before the arcade, Salem Willows was a big-band destination.

Salem Willows Jazz History · Part 3 of 5

Prof. Kenerson’s Dancing Casino first drew crowds to the Willows for live music and dancing. In the mid-1920s, the Charleshurst Ballroom became one of the region’s premier big-band destinations—the place where Duke Ellington and His Washingtonians performed nine times in 1927.

By day, families came for the ocean breezes and promenade. By night, the Willows came alive with music, dancing, and laughter.

Nearly a century later, that mix of place, people, and music still makes Salem Willows special.

08/26/2026

The Shribman brothers helped build New England’s jazz circuit.

Salem Willows Jazz History · Part 2 of 5

Charlie and Cy Shribman transformed New England’s dance-hall business in the 1920s. Charlie built relationships with musicians and recognized emerging talent; Cy handled the operations, bookings, and business that kept bands moving throughout the region.

Charlie booked Duke Ellington extensively between 1924 and 1927, helping introduce new audiences to the music while supporting Ellington during his formative years.

Their work made Salem part of a much larger jazz story—one that still echoes across the North Shore.

08/25/2026

We'd be remiss if we did not honor Mary Ellen Sullivan, a longtime festival volunteer who passed in February. Mary Ellen, along with her husband Howie, enthusiastically put together festival VIP bags for us every summer. She always had a smile and a kind word.

This paragraph from her obituary is an example of her dedication to her community: "Mary Ellen had a profound impact through her career in social work. For over 40 years, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, most recently as the Supervisor for the Department of Transitional Assistance in Salem. Her career path was a true calling born from her desire to help others, especially those in need. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to her work won the hearts of many. Her active mentoring of others throughout her career empowered a new generation of social workers, leaving a lasting legacy."

Please keep Mary Ellen and her family in your thoughts.

View Mary Ellen McHugh-Sullivan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/24/2026

Duke Ellington played Salem Willows nine times in 1927.

Salem Willows Jazz History · Part 1 of 5

On Easter Monday in 1924, a 24-year-old Duke Ellington made his first appearance at the Charleshurst Ballroom. By summer 1927, Ellington and His Washingtonians had returned for nine performances—helping connect Salem to a defining chapter in American jazz.

That history is one reason the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival calls the Willows home today.

Follow the series as we trace the people and places that built the North Shore’s jazz story.

08/20/2026

The Nth Power brought a BIG sound to our record-breaking, beautiful day at Salem Willows. Thank you for the groove, the musicianship and the kind of set that pulled the whole crowd closer.

Special thanks to Off Cabot Comedy & Events and The Lobster Shanty for helping our volunteer-run festival keep the music free.

If you want to help us do it again, donations are always welcome. Link in the first comment.

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08/20/2026

Wood & Bone brought the roots, harmonies and horn lines to our record-breaking, beautiful day at Salem Willows. Thank you for giving us the sound of summer.

We’re also grateful to Salem Trolley and Coffee Time Bake Shop for helping the day feel like Salem at its best.

The festival is free, but never free to produce. Donations are always welcome — link in the first comment.

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08/20/2026

Please read:

Thanks to everyone for your kind words about Saturday's Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and donors who made this day happen. We are an independent, community run nonprofit, dependent on your support

If you had a nice time Saturday, we humbly ask that you make a donation to Salem Jazz and Soul Festival this week, so we can continue to provide the North Shore with world-class entertainment and a rich cultural experience. It's important to this community that our little festival continues to thrive. Please make a donation in any denomination today.

Thank you.

With love, the SJSF team.

By Salem Jazz and Soul Festival Inc

08/19/2026

Lydia Harrell brought voice, improvisation and so much heart to our record-breaking day at Salem Willows. Thank you for a beautiful set and for sharing the magic of improvisation in the Education Tent.

We’re grateful to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Levitt Foundation and the Salem Cultural Council for helping free music and music education live side by side.

Donations are always welcome — link in the first comment.

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08/16/2026

Thank you. That’s the whole post.

Thank you to the thousands of you who filled the Willows today — on blankets, in beach chairs, dancing in front of the stage until the last note. 🎷

Thank you to Jesse Joseph, the Salem High School Jazz Band, Wood & Bone, Lydia Harrell, The Nth Power, and Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers — and to DJ Skotvoid for keeping it going between every set.

Thank you to our volunteers, who show up before sunrise and leave after the last tent comes down. 19 seasons of this only happens because of you.

Thank you to our artisan market makers, our Education Tent crew, and every sponsor and donor who makes it FREE, like always — and who help us put music education dollars back into North Shore schools.

Same park, same mission, next August. 💛

Free music festival Salem MA · Salem Willows · North Shore artisan market · salemjazzsoul.org

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