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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Celebrating Roxbury: The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival



A major cultural festival, the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival, fills several city blocks in late September.


Muscians play music on stage
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A singer in a white dress on stage
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A crowd of people in the grass, watching the concert
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
Two girls pose for a photo - one kisses the other on the cheek and the other smiles.
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A man playing an instrument
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A man playing an instrument
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A man playing an instrument
- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A photo of Sarah Ann Shaw
Born in Roxbury, Sarah Ann Shaw was the first female African-American reporter on Boston television, working for WBZ-TV from 1969-2000. Before and after her television career she has been a community activist and a regular patron of Roxbury events.

- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer
A photo of State Representative Gloria Fox
State Representative Gloria Fox was awarded the National Caucus of Black Legislators Lifetime Achievement Award and is a familiar presence and supporter of community events.

- Anthony W. Lanier, Photographer


Beantown Jazz
A major cultural festival founded in 2001 by businessman Darryl Settles, the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival fills several blocks in late September. The free festival features jazz, Latin and blues performances by professional musicians in partnership with the Berklee College of Music. Along with music, there are food and drink vendors and unique features including an “instrument petting zoo” and “Kid’s Jam” for younger visitors.