Shreveport, Louisiana, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Highland Jazz & Blues Festival in Shreveport celebrates its 21st anniversary, featuring an array of performances, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities. Held at Columbia Park, the festival will showcase renowned blues artists and promising young musicians. Admission is free, supported by local community sponsors. Attendees can also enjoy over 70 food and artisan vendors, with a special children’s area for hands-on art activities. A free shuttle service will be available throughout the day to assist festival-goers.
Shreveport Introduces the 21st Annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
The Highland Jazz & Blues Festival is set to celebrate its 21st year in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This beloved event will take place in Columbia Park, located in the Highland neighborhood and promises a full day of music and family-friendly activities.
Admission to the festival is free, made possible through the generous support and funding from community sponsors. The festival will host performances across three stages, showcasing a rich variety of musical talent.
This year’s headliner is Kenny Neal, a celebrated second-generation Bluesman renowned for his Louisiana Swamp Blues style. Among other featured performers are Curtis Mills Collective, Josh Madden and his Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Doug Duffy and BADD, as well as Grammy nominee Buddy Flett.
In an exciting addition to this year’s lineup, a new third stage called the Inspiration Stage will spotlight performances by promising young musicians from local schools. Participating groups include the Creswell Blazin’ Beatz, Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program, Caddo Parish Schools Talented Arts Program, North Desoto Middle School Jazz Band, and Benton High School Jazz Band. Highlighting this stage, Lady Chops, recognized as the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council 2024 Performing Artist of the Year and a former Off-Broadway “STOMP” cast member, will also perform.
The festival will feature over 70 food and artisan vendors, offering a variety of culinary delights and handmade crafts. A designated children’s area will provide hands-on art activities organized by local non-profits, ensuring that younger attendees have a memorable experience.
For the convenience of attendees, a free shuttle service will operate continuously throughout the day, helping festival-goers to navigate the event easily. The festival’s official poster, designed by DaMetrius Haggerty from Northwood High School, features a historical jazz nightclub setting with blue tones and highlights jazz musicians. Haggerty will receive a $500 award from the Highland Area Partnership for his artwork.
Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, the Executive Director, conveyed pride in the festival’s diverse lineup and poster artwork, emphasizing the event’s strong community-driven nature.
Overview of the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
- Event Name: Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
- Anniversary: 21st Annual
- Date: Saturday, September 13
- Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: Columbia Park, Highland neighborhood, Shreveport, Louisiana
- Admission: Free
- Main Performers: Kenny Neal, Curtis Mills Collective, Josh Madden and his Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Doug Duffy and BADD, Buddy Flett
- New Feature: Inspiration Stage showcasing aspiring musicians from local schools
- Number of Vendors: Over 70 food and artisan vendors
- Children’s Activities: Hands-on art activities by local non-profits
- Shuttle Service: Free shuttle available during the festival
- Official Poster Designer: DaMetrius Haggerty
- Award: $500 for poster design
FAQ
What is the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival?
The Highland Jazz & Blues Festival is celebrating its 21st year.
When will the festival take place?
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where is the festival held?
The festival will be held at Columbia Park in the Highland neighborhood of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission to the festival is free, funded by community sponsors and support.
Who are the main performers this year?
This year’s headliner is Kenny Neal, along with Curtis Mills Collective, Josh Madden and his Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Doug Duffy and BADD, and Grammy nominee Buddy Flett.
What new features are introduced this year?
A new third stage called the Inspiration Stage will highlight performances by aspiring musicians from local schools.
What activities are available for children?
A children’s area will offer hands-on art activities provided by local non-profits.
Will there be any transportation assistance?
A free shuttle service will operate continuously throughout the festival.
Festival Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Highland Jazz & Blues Festival |
| Anniversary | 21st Annual |
| Date | Saturday, September 13 |
| Time | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Location | Columbia Park, Highland neighborhood, Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Admission | Free |
| Main Performers | Kenny Neal, Curtis Mills Collective, Josh Madden and his Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Doug Duffy and BADD, Buddy Flett |
| New Feature | Inspiration Stage showcasing aspiring musicians |
| Number of Vendors | Over 70 food and artisan vendors |
| Children’s Activities | Hands-on art activities by local non-profits |
| Shuttle Service | Free shuttle available during the festival |
| Official Poster Designer | DaMetrius Haggerty |
| Award | $500 for poster design |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Hosts 21st Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival
Shreveport Celebrates Music and Community at Jazz Fest
Shreveport’s Highland Jazz and Blues Festival Marks 20th Anniversary with Free Live Music and Family Fun
Shreveport Celebrates 20 Years of Music at the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
Shreveport Gears Up for the 20th Annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival on September 14
Shreveport’s ARTBREAK 38 Returns with Extravaganza of Creativity and Family Entertainment
Additional Resources
- KSLA: Highland Jazz & Blues Festival Connects with Youth
- Wikipedia: Blues
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Photos from Highland Jazz and Blues Festival
- Google Search: Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
- KTBS: 21st Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Shreveport Times: Check Out Who’s Playing at the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival 2025
- Google News: Highland Jazz Blues Festival 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
