Choo Choo Traditional Jazz Festival this weekend - May 2-4

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mike and Astrid Griffin started the Chattanooga Traditional Jazz Festival at the Choo Choo in 1990 and retired from presenting it in 2011.

It proved to be so popular, it was picked up by John and Claudia Falk of Atlanta who are working with the staff at the Choo Choo, which hosts the event.

The three-day festival features traditional jazz and gets underway Friday evening, May 2.

Set to perform are Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band, The Fat Babies, Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band and High Sierra Jazz Band.

It draws about 300 people from all over the country. and some have attended every event since its inception. This year, organizers have put an emphasis on "per session" tickets, in addition to the usual weekend passes, to attract more local fans.

Locals can purchase a pass for a session of their choice for $40 or attend the entire weekend for $150. The Sunday evening session includes a prime-rib dinner for an additional $28.

For festival information, call 800-872-2529 (option 3) or visit here.