Labor Day jazz festival planned

GAINESVILLE - Labor Day is usually associated with cookouts, a trip to the lake or mountains, or other outdoor activities as summer begins to wind down.

But, something new is being added in Gainesville this year. A jazz festival.

Hosted by the Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society and Gainesville Parks & Recreation Department, it will be held Labor Day evening from 6:00-8:00 at the Fair Street Neighborhood Center on Labor Day, featuring the Doug Ellison Jazz Band.

Barbara Brooks, vice president of the black history group, said the idea is to emphasize black culture in the city.

"So, we're doing this to re-introduce jazz to the community," Brooks said. "And, we're choosing jazz because of its contribution to black culture. We don't have enough emphasis on...our culture."

Admission will be $10.