Musical Diversity

From classical to jazz, blues to Broadway, and even Southern Rock, ears receive a musical treat when tunes collide with the sounds of Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has been the birthplace of many individuals and bands of a variety of genres in the music industry. However, Jacksonville might best be known as the origin of Southern Rock, a genre with roots of blues, jazz, soul, R&B and rock and roll. Two of Southern Rock’s architects, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band were formed in Jacksonville, paving the way for other Southern Rock bands, including local bands .38 Special, Molly Hatchet and JJ Grey & Mofro.

Classic roots run deep in Jacksonville too. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has performed for more than 60 seasons. The Jacoby Symphony Hall is one of three theaters within Downtown’s Florida Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and is Florida’s only dedicated symphony hall, so the acoustics are top notch. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation's top ensembles and produces concerts of opera, gospel, big band, ballet, classical and popular music.

The Ritz Chamber Players, the nation's first African-American chamber music ensemble also performs at the Times-Union Center for Performing Arts. The Chamber Players perform chamber works from the standard classical repertoire, especially contemporary African-American works to increase public awareness of African-American composers within classical music. The Times-Union Center also brings productions of beloved Broadway blockbusters and cultural shows to delight audiences through the THE ARTIST SERIES.

In addition to the works of the THE ARTIST SERIES, Broadway-style musicals can be seen throughout the community. Built in 1967, Alhambra Theatre & Dining is the oldest dinner theatre in the country. The theatre has been producing Broadway quality performances for the whole family such as The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Grease and Hairspray.

History and music share the stage at Downtown’s historic Florida Theatre and The Ritz Theatre and Museum. Built in 1927, The Florida Theatre is one of the last remaining examples of America's "Picture Palace" era and is one of only four remaining high-style movie palaces built in Florida during this period. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the site of vaudeville acts and concerts (Elvis performed his first indoor concert there). Today, performances range from country, rock and classical music favorites, dance ensembles, classic rock album recreations, spoken word and plays.

The Ritz Theatre and Museum celebrates the rich legacy of the African American community. Located in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville, or the "Harlem of the South" as it used to be known, the Ritz Theatre is home to an array of exciting musicals and theatrical performances, including the popular "Amateur Night at the Ritz" and the Ritz Voices Youth Choir. The museum begins its exploration of Jacksonville’s African-American heritage with an animatronics story of native sons James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson who composed the African-American national hymn, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”

Today in celebrating musical diversity, Jacksonville is home to numerous music festivals throughout the year. Two of the most anticipated events of the year, George’s Music Springing the Blues, held annually at the beach in April and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, held each Memorial Day weekend, provide an outlet for local and world-renowned musicians. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has drawn the likes of Chuck Mangione, Patti LaBelle and Chris Botti.

Popular concerts are performed at venues around the city, including the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, which has hosted a variety of performers, from Billy Joel and Elton John to Brad Paisley, Ozzy Osborn and many others. Intimate venues like the St. Augustine Amphitheater, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and Freebird Live welcome touring national acts and regional musicians alike.