On May 1, tickets went on sale for the 3rd annual Eastern Connecticut Performing Arts Association (ECPAA) Jazz Festival June 5 in Griswold.

The pandemic may have canceled last year’s festival, but organizers say they wanted to make sure that the lineup for 2021 was worth the wait, and they did not disappoint.

Raymond Churchill serves as the president and founding member of the ECPAA, and he says he has big plans for this year’s festivities.

“Choosing a jazz festival was a no-brainer.” he says. Some people had suggested a country music festival in the area, but Churchill had bigger visions. Mystic used to have a blues festival years ago, and he wanted to get something going along the lines of the Newport Jazz Festival.

The jazz festival runs from 1:30 to 8:15 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at Yurechko’s Tree Farm in Griswold. It has been at that same location all three years it has been held.

Churchill said the owners, his friends Phil and Lucy, were having a barbecue and Churchill jokingly brought up how perfect the property would be for a festival. Apparently they had had similar thoughts so the idea almost seemed serendipitous.

The ground where the festival takes places on the property is pretty much ideal. It’s an open, wide, flat, field that is surrounded by Christmas trees. It’s a hidden gift.

“There’s two things they won’t skimp on with this festival,” Churchill says. “One, the talent (and), two, advertising.”

Churchill is extremely proud of this year’s lineup in particular. He’s had an extra year to book some of his favorites since they had to skip the festival in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Churchill is a firm believer that if you’re going to do something, do it right. He has spared no expense when it comes to getting all the right sound, lighting, staging, and equipment.

Greg Abate is a world renowned saxophone player and has headlined the festival since its inception. Churchill is most proud of that accomplishment, to go from fan to friend with an artist you truly admire.

Abate, from Connecticut originally, seemed to gravitate towards the festival in its first year and has been playing every year since.

This year’s lineup also includes:

The Wolverine Jazz Band, Souls of Fire, The Chris Leigh Band, and more yet to be announced. You don’t need to travel far for an amazing music festival experience.

This year is extra special for another reason. In the past organizers didn’t let anyone bring in baskets or coolers, but those restrictions are now off. Also, this year will include food trucks, an ice cream truck, even a coffee truck. All they ask is you bring no glass, in case of breakage.

The festival is rain or shine and tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for college students (with ID), and free for ages 5 and younger.

For more information or to become a sponsor, visit https://www.ecpaa.org/.

Brian Barganier is a Salem resident. He is also a writer, painter, and comedian.