Discover the Vibrant Jerome Music & Arts Festival: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The Jerome Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host the second edition of the Jerome Music & Arts Festival, a two-day event that promises to captivate visitors with a diverse array of musical performances and visual art displays. Building on the success of last year's inaugural festival, which drew an estimated 10,000 attendees, this year's edition promises to be even more remarkable, offering a wider range of visual artists and an impressive lineup of 40 musical acts across 10 different locations throughout the charming town of Jerome.

Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Tapestry of Jerome's Creative Scene

Elevating Jerome's Status as a Premier Destination

The Jerome Music & Arts Festival is more than just a celebration of the town's artistic talents; it's a strategic move to solidify Jerome's position as a top tourist destination in northern Arizona. "For years, we were the number three destination in northern Arizona for tourism: Grand Canyon, Sedona, us," explains chamber director Tom Pitts. "Giving people a good excuse [to come] doesn't hurt. And having the music over two days in 10 locations means it's moving people throughout the town, so the merchants were thrilled."

A Diverse Lineup of Musical Performances

The festival's musical lineup is truly impressive, with 40 acts spanning a wide range of genres, from acoustic to rock 'n' roll to jazz. "There was a great turnout last year and the crowd was amazing," shares Destiny Diaz, the lead singer of Black Lemon. "We got to play right after the Naughty Bits and we do that again this year, they're amazing as well. And it was nice, having all the different stages and things that people can walk around and see during the festival."

Embracing Improvisation and Spontaneity

One of the festival's unique offerings is the opportunity to witness the spontaneous and improvisational performances of bands like Bombed Out Cat. "It's a lot of improv. We formerly had a band that was pretty popular in the Verde Valley area for about three years called Cult 45 where we were an improv jam band. So this is kind of a very scaled-down version of that, and it's bluesy, funky and psychedelic sometimes," explains Francine Bop, the lead vocalist and keyboard player.

Captivating Harmonies and Energetic Performances

Another act set to take the stage is Thunder & Lightnin', a group known for their "pristine four-part harmonies" and energetic performances. "People should expect to be drawn in quickly with the show that we put on," says rhythm guitarist Steve Estes. "It's about the energy and the unique arrangements that we put on things."

Showcasing a Diverse Array of Visual Artists

In addition to the musical performances, the festival will also feature a strong presence of visual artists, with 17 artists giving painting demonstrations in the Upper Park. "The first time we did the festival, we didn't do much in the way of art," Pitts acknowledges. "But this year we've got artists who work in watercolors, oils, acrylics — basically any medium you can think of."

A Vibrant Street Fair Experience

The Jerome Music & Arts Festival promises to deliver a true street fair experience, with music, art, and activities for all ages. "People had a great time last year, and our feedback was strong," Pitts says. "And once you get a year of experience under your belt, you learn some tricks. So scheduling should flow well, and we've got a lot of really good acts … Come enjoy a good old fashioned street fair with music and art going on, and in a historical location."Attendees are encouraged to carpool, and free shuttle service will be provided to additional free parking lots at the Old Jerome High School and above the fire station. For more information, visit JeromeMusicAndArts.com.