About the Festival:

The Billy Taylor Jazz Festival began humbly, started and developed by ECU professor emeritus Carroll V. Dashiell, Jr., when high school and middle school jazz bands came to campus to perform at critiquing sessions, then to enjoy a performance by the ECU Jazz Ensemble A and a guest artist.

The festival grew rapidly. In 2003 Dr. Billy Taylor lent his name to the festival, and the Greenville Convention Center was retained to contain the audience who came for a gala evening, witness Mayor Don Parrott offer Taylor the Keys to the City, and hear him proclaim the day “Dr. Billy Taylor Day” on behalf of the City Council.

The festival now offers multiple public concerts, a free jam session, critiquing sessions for eight or more high school and middle school jazz bands, exceptional guest artists and opportunities for Jazz Friends to mingle and celebrate.