Shreveport, La. – On Saturday, Sept. 19, Columbia Park will host the 22nd Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival, bringing eight hours of free live music, local art displays and community activities to the historic Highland neighborhood.
Festival schedule and featured performers
Organized by the Highland Area Partnership and presented by Live! Casino and Hotel, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across three stages.
Buddy Flett Pavilion Stage opens with a tribute to Buddy Flett at 10 a.m., followed by the Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble (11:30 a.m.), Shades of Green (1 p.m.), The Good Dudes (2:30 p.m.) and headliner New Orleans funk group Dumpstaphunk at 4:30 p.m.
Miller Lite Gazebo Stage features The Bossier Big Band (10:15 a.m.), The Eric Craig Band (11:45 a.m.), Snake Doctors (1:15 p.m.), Loose Association 318 (2:45 p.m.) and River City Groove (4:15 p.m.).
Inspiration Stage focuses on youth and education, showcasing Carla Heard (10:45 a.m.), the North Desoto Middle School Jazz Band (12:15 p.m.), interactive performer Lady Chops (1:15 p.m.), the Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program (2:45 p.m.) and the Caddo Parish Schools Talented Arts Program (4:15 p.m.).
Special ceremonies and community honors
Two formal ceremonies will take place on the Pavilion Stage. At 11 a.m., organizers will present the inaugural Buddy Flett Emerging Musician Award, gifting a new guitar from Shreveport Music Company to a local student musician. At 2 p.m., the 2nd Bomb Wing will participate in a flag presentation recognizing Shreveport‑Bossier’s designation as a 2026 Great American Defense Community.
Family‑friendly amenities
The festival will host more than 70 food and artisan vendors, a children’s activity area and a pet‑friendly zone. Admission is free, and a complimentary park‑and‑ride shuttle, sponsored by BOM Bank, will run continuously from Mall St. Vincent throughout the day.
Why the festival matters to the community
For nearly two decades, the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival has been a cornerstone of Shreveport’s cultural life, showcasing regional talent while honoring the legacy of local music pioneer Buddy Flett. The event reinforces the city’s commitment to family‑centered recreation, supports local artists and small businesses, and provides a safe, faith‑friendly environment for families to gather and celebrate the arts.
Residents are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy a day of music, food and community fellowship in one of Shreveport’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
