Rich Harney Jazz Festival 2024 Lineup Announced

Austin, Texas -- The family and close friends of the late Rich Harney have announced the dates and lineup for the Rich Harney Jazz Festival 2024 in a press release last Friday. This spring, the Rich Harney Jazz Festival returns with a two-evening engagement, honoring the late legend of piano and song who passed away suddenly on January 5, 2020.

The festival will celebrate the legacy of Harney and will take place across two evenings beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, at First Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. An all-star lineup features the late composer’s colleagues and long-time collaborators performing his original music, all familiar or well-known to long-time fans of Rich Harney and patrons of the Austin jazz community. Harney’s music books and various recordings will be available for purchase at the festival.

This year’s edition of the Rich Harney Jazz Festival is timed to coincide with Harney’s birthday, Friday, June 7. Friday’s lineup features The Beat Divas (Mady Kaye, Beth Ullman, and Dianne Donovan/vocals) and The Alex Coke Quintet. On the second evening, Saturday, June 8, featured performers are the Redd Volkaert Band and the Robert Aberg Trio, with vocalist Sarah Aberg and special guest Buddy Mohmed. 

As with last year’s celebration in late May 2023, Austin’s First Presbyterian Church will serve as the host venue, where Harney regularly played piano during Sunday services. First Presbyterian Church is located at 8001 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas 78731, and festival tickets can be purchased here through Humanitix. There will be free parking available, and the festival will be a family-friendly event open to all ages.

Those unable to attend will be able to contribute by donating to the Rich Harney Memorial Fund. Memorial proceeds will be used to help establish scholarships and produce performances and events that honor Harney’s legacy in the jazz and worship communities. --- Image Credit/Courtesey: N. Cutean