Denton Arts & Jazz Festival a Tour de Force of Union Talent

On October 7-9, music returned to Quakertown Park in Denton on a beautiful, sunny weekend with this year’s Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. The event featured three days of free, live music on several outdoor stages.

Denton Arts & Jazz Festival was founded on the belief that all forms of art should be available to the public free of charge. Instead of charging admission, the festival relies the collaboration of AFM Local 72-147 and grant support from Music Performance Trust Fund along with community support from local businesses, nonprofits, and private individuals to present 60 union bands, with about 200 Local 72-147 musicians performing. International President Ray Hair and Local 72-147President Stewart Williams volunteered throughout the festival helping to manage the stages featuring Local 72-147 musicians.

Community and student groups also perform on separate stages from the paid, professional acts. In addition to jazz, the festival presents folk, blues, country, rock, Tejano, conjunto, and even polka music.

“There is nothing more gratifying than seeing so many of our members performing in a three-day tour de force at this festival,” says Local 72-147 President Williams. “It is the face of our union, its artistry and professionalism, showcased for the community.”

Check out the Gallery of  Local 72-147 Bands at the 2022 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival