about

Since 2002, on the second Saturday in September, the intersection of Selby and Milton becomes a wondrous gathering that celebrates the positive path taken by neighborhood residents and business owners. People from all walks of life, cultures, backgrounds and professions interact together through music, food & activities in becoming an engaged community.

 
“It’s a strong piece of spirituality. The cultural consequence is not to be denied. The Selby Jazz Fest sustains the heritage of the African-American Twin Cities.”

— Mahmoud El-Kati, scholar, historian and community griot.

    
 

The Selby Ave JazzFest is a free event open to “all members of the community who are in good standing.”

 

Jazz Fest Timeline

  • 1995

    Selby & Milton…the home of The People’s Choice; a club know for “more police calls than customers” on any given day.

  • 2001

    Entrepreneur and community activist Mychael Wright opens Golden Thyme Coffee & Café on the same intersection. He and his family renovate a vacant and dilapidated building into a coffee shop, and of greater need, a community gathering place.

  • 2002

    Because he didn’t have an official “grand opening,” Mychael hosts a “neighborhood block party” to thank his customers. 600 or so attend the event highlighted by Billy Hollman’s B-Hammond Organ tribute to the late Jack McDuff.

  • 2004

    Citing inspiration from Mychael’s endeavor, investment in residential real estate and commercial property increases. Crime decreases.

  • 2009

    On the most perfect of fall days since the event began, an estimated 12,000 attend the 8th Annual Selby Ave JazzFest. “Folk,” as Mychael likes to call attendees, of all ethnicities, religions, backgrounds and ages share a full day of music, food, family activities, art and most importantly, community.

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