Jazz and Colors

This free afternoon event might be based around a gimmick, but it's a borderline irresistible one: 30 jazz bands spread across the full expanse of Central Park to muse on a predetermined set of autumn- and NYC-themed standards. We'd be skeptical of the conceit if the lineup weren't so legit. Performers include everyone from the Klezmatics to the Mingus Big Band, with artists representing all sorts of stylistic factions; Bob Stewart, Chris Dingman, Claire Daly, JD Allen, Joel Harrison, Kimberly Thompson, ELEW, Roy Campbell and Wayne Escoffery are just a few of the names we're excited to see. Check out jazzandcolors.com to download a map of the performances.