The Mauldin Cultural Center will host the fifth annual Mauldin Blues & Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 26 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater at 101 E. Butler Rd. The free event will feature four live acts on the main stage: Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues, Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band, Soda City Brass Band and headliner Nikki Hill. In between sets, jazz ensembles will perform on a second stage, and there will be a variety of food and drink offerings and family-friendly activities at the event.
“Our fifth annual Blues and Jazz Festival is a vibrant celebration of art in the Mauldin community,” Mauldin Cultural Center Manager Christine Faust said. “The live music will provide a great backdrop to the unveiling of the newest sculpture on the Public Art Trail by local artist Carey Morton. We hope guests will stick around for a wide range in the music lineup, from a brass band to the smoldering, fiery voice of Nikki Hill to wrap up the night.”
The lineup of performers is as follows:
Main Stage:
- 2:00 – 3:00 | Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues
- 3:45 – 4:40 | Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band
- 5:30 – 6:45 | Soda City Brass Band
- 7:30 – 9:00 | Nikki Hill
Second Stage:
- 3:05 – 3:40 | SC Governor’s School for the Arts Jazz Combo AND Greenville Jazz Youth Ensemble
- 4:50 – 5:20 | Furman University Jazz Combos
- 6:50 – 7:15 | Furman University Jazz Combos
There will be multiple food trucks on site as well as beer and wine from Growler Haus. Children’s activities will include face painting, lawn games, and a LEGO station by Bricks & Minifigs of Mauldin.
“The Mauldin Blues & Jazz Festival is one of our city’s signature events, and I look forward to it every year,” said Taft Matney, Mauldin City Council Member and chair of the Economic Planning and Development Committee. “It’s a celebration of the rich musical traditions that shaped American culture, and it’s a chance to introduce new audiences to the powerful sounds of jazz and blues. Events like this not only strengthen our community’s cultural identity, they bring people to Mauldin, support local businesses, and show off what makes our city such a dynamic place to be.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Parking and entry are free, and leashed dogs are allowed at the event, which will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, weather-related announcements will be posted on the Mauldin Cultural Center’s social media channels at www.facebook.com/mauldincultural and www.instagram.com/mauldincultural.
Outside food/beverages, smoking/vaping, weapons and scooters/skateboards/bikes are all prohibited at the event.
The event’s supporting sponsors are WOW! Fiber Internet and Direct Auto Insurance. For more information about performers, food vendors and activities, visit: https://mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/mbj-festival/.
