Jazz in the Square was created in response to overwhelming public opinion indicating that the City of Syracuse, NY needed a downtown jazz festival designed to support the city's culture and economy. It remains unique in that it was created and produced by a not-for-profit regional performing arts organization,the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation, the region's primary year-round producer of jazz events in concert, cabaret, scholastic and festival settings (see www.cnyjazz.org). Each year it is designed to maximize appeal and participation by many community consituencies, with emphasis on downtown merchants and residents, urban youth, and African-American and Latino communities.

Jazz in the Square presents jazz in all its forms with the goal of providing a highly enjoyable and meaningful exposure to the art form to experienced and new listers of all ages. It will always be fun for all and it will always be free.