Critic's Pick: Nashville Jazz Festival

3rd and Lindsley will be jumping this Saturday and Sunday, when it plays host to the second annual Nashville Jazz Festival. The festival is the brainchild of saxophonist Jeff Coffin, who is probably best known as a member of the Dave Matthews Band. “A number of years ago, I bought the URLs for Nashville Jazz Fest and Nashville Jazz Festival,” Coffin recalls. “I had spoken to a number of folks, and I knew that I couldn’t do it alone.” The idea for the festival came to fruition in 2025 after he joined forces with Nashville Jazz Workshop, which the event benefits. Coffin gives a lot of credit to NJW’s former executive director David Rodgers. “It was really because of David’s leadership that we were able to put something together that was what this has become and what it will become,” he says. “In my opinion, some of the greatest musicians on the planet are going to be at this [year’s festival].” Super Nova, Coffin’s jazz-fusion side project with legendary sax man Bill Evans and drummer Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, Toto), will headline Saturday’s bill that also includes Giovanni Rodriguez and Dara Starr Tucker. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum headlines Sunday’s lineup, which will also feature drummer Chester Thompson (Weather Report, Frank Zappa) and trumpeter Rod McGaha. The complete festival lineup is available at nashvillejazzfest.com.

Oct. 24-25 at 3rd and Lindsley

818 Third Ave. S.