JazzFest ’06 packed downtown Murfreesboro on May 5-6, featuring performances by a slew of Jazz players from legends to newcomers.

Every year since 1997, the area around the square is shut down to motorists and turned over to jazz.

50-year veteran saxophonist and multiple Grammy Award winner Phil Woods and the Phil Woods Quintet headlined the event with a Saturday evening session.

Another prolific saxophonist, Rahsaan Barber, lead TrioSoul featuring Moe Denham and Robert Bond. MTSU graduate Annie Sellick, who began singing Jazz with guitarist Roland Gresham at The Boro, also performed.

MTSU, Belmont and over a dozen Middle Tennessee high and middle schools supplied groups. The U.S. Army Ground Forces Jazz Guardians made it’s annual appearance at the event, having performed at every one of Murfreesboro’s JazzFests since its inception ten years ago.

A second stage was added to this years festival and allowed many additional school bands the opportunity to experience the festival from the stage.

A highlight of the weekend for the younger crowd was Kid’s Alley, an area along the square including games, inflatable activities, entertainers and a musical instrument petting zoo, where kids can experiment with various instruments. Many of the downtown shops and restaurants remain open during the festival, offering a good opportunity to explore Murfreesboro by foot.