HOT JAZZ, COOL COMMUNITY

Eight bands, two days, and a lively crowd
keep traditional jazz swinging in Medford

Now in its fourth year, the Bay State Hot Jazz Festival brought eight traditional jazz acts to the banks of the Mystic River for two days at the end of August. Organized by Annie Linders, band leader of Annie and the Fur Trappers, the free festival featured bands from throughout the Northeast and was bursting with community spirit and irrepressible rhythm.

The North Shore Big Band

Heavy on brass and strings, the various ensembles performed Dixieland, swing, jug band, and blues from the 1920s and the 1930s. Performers included the North Shore Big Band, led by saxophonist Dennis Shafer, and the Banjo Juice Jazz Band, from Buffalo, NY, led by Tyler Wescott.

Banjo Juice Jazz Band

The Smack Dabs specialize in music from the 1930s with a jug band sound that includes a washboard as well as the traditional horns and guitar. The well-established Wolverine Jazz Band is heavy on the New Orleans/Dixieland sound, as are the Catnip Junkies, Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones, and the Dixie Diehards Traditional Jazz Band.

The Smack Dabs

The culminating act was Annie & the Fur Trappers, with Annie herself singing, hitting the drums, and blowing the trombone and trumpet (not all at the same time).

The Wolverine Jazz Band

Perfect weather and vendors offering artisanal ice cream and juices, “N’awlins cuisine,” and locally brewed beer brought a good crowd to the grounds of the Condon Band Shell in Medford. While most of the audience enjoyed the music by tapping and clapping, a sizeable minority demonstrated their dancing skills.

The Catnip Junkies

Some of the most exciting energy was in the jam tent between acts. On Saturday, the jam tent was anchored by the Summer Street Stompers and on Sunday by the 2-Bit Brass Band, which offered traditional jazz along with video game music. Both bands welcomed anyone with an instrument to join in on the music.

Annie & the Fur Trappers

Whether in the jam tent, dancing on the grass, lined up for food and drink, or foot-tapping in folding chairs, an enthusiastic audience made it clear it was eager for next year’s festival.

2-Bit Brass Band

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photos provided by Bay State Hot Jazz Festival

Bay State Hot Jazz Festival
Condon Band Shell in Medford, Massachusetts
Aug. 29–30, 2026
for more information, visit Bay State Hot Jazz Festival

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