Jazz on the River at Elizabeth Park in Trenton

No other music genre speaks to the soul quite like jazz. But kids these days don’t get to experience it how past generations did.

If you want to get your kids to dig the soulful and smooth tunes of the genre’s coolest modern-day cats, bring them to the 24th annual Jazz on the River festival in Trenton, happening Aug. 3-4, 2019.

Kick off your weekend on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a live concert by Detroit-native Rayse Biggs as he performs tunes the whole family will enjoy.

At 5:45, professional guitarist Nick Colionne takes the stage and singer Avery Sunshine closes out the day at 7:30 p.m.

Day two features even more concerts by big names in jazz music, including Alexander Zonjic, Marion Meadows and Peabo Bryson, among others.

But that’s not all. This fest also serves up a variety of delicious barbecue and other eats sure to satisfy when the fam can’t jump or jive any longer; plus desserts and plenty of local vendors selling a wide variety of different handmade goodies.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. both days and closes at the end of the final performances, which start at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free, but there is a $5 donation fee for on-site parking.

Off-site parking is available throughout the downtown Trenton area. A free shuttle will take off from Kennedy Ice Arena for those who choose not to park at the festival.

For more information on Jazz on the River at Elizabeth Park in Trenton – or other family fun things to do this weekend – visit the Metro Parent calendar.

This post was originally published in 2018 and is updated regularly.