By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The city of Goodyear will host Jazz in the Park on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event, an extension of the  Vision and Sound: An African American Experience program, offers an evening of live music, art, food, and music.

The event will feature performances from local jazz artists Lisa Hightower and The Stakes.

There will be a beer and wine garden provided by Saddle Mountain Brewing Company and families are welcome to attend. Wristbands will be available for those 21 and older who wish to be served alcohol.

“I think this is just the perfect blend of art, music, and community. We’re really excited for all of the elements to come together, celebrate Black History Month, celebrate our Vision and Sound and African-American Experience, and really let people know about our library fine art show,” said Layne Ruiz, the art and culture coordinator with the City of Goodyear.

In addition to the music, Jazz in the Park will showcase an artisan village, where local artisans will sell handmade goods, as well as food from three food trucks.

Art activations will also take place, where attendees can interact with professional artists featured in the Goodyear Library Fine Art Show, part of the Vision & Sound program. The exhibition, celebrating its 10th anniversary which runs through March 26, is on display at the Georgia T. Lord Library.

This event is part of a broader series of activities created through a partnership between the Sedona Arts Center and local municipalities like Goodyear and Tolleson. The Vision & Sound program, now in its 11th year, showcases the work of Black artists across Arizona, highlighting their contributions to both visual and performing arts.

“Vision & Sound is an immersive arts experience that highlights the achievements of Black artists in visual and performing arts,” stated Julie Richard, CEO of the Sedona Arts Center. “It underscores our commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and showcasing the incredible talent and contributions of the Black artist community.”

The exhibition at the Georgia T. Lord Library will feature artists like Anjola Ayodele, Dorrell Bradford and Bob Martin and will run through March 30.

“We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Sedona Arts Center for the last few years on this, and so Sedona Arts connects a lot of our West Valley cities in this program, which is amazing. We’re so excited to be a part of it. Sedona Arts provides the artists and artwork and coordinates bringing the artists out to interact with the community at the event,” Ruiz said.

In addition to the performances and activities on February 15, a teen art pop-up experience will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19. giving local teens the opportunity to learn from a professional artist featured in the library fine art show.

“It’s really cool experience, they get to learn from a professional artist that’s showcased in our city,” Ruiz said.

Jazz in the Park is free to attend and open to the public.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information about the event and the Vision & Sound exhibition or attend the event in person at 1900 N. Civic Square in Goodyear.