JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- You won't have to go far this holiday weekend to have a good time. "I love jazz. I am a jazz fan. The music is from the heart. It's from the spirit. It's from the soul," said Reginald Thompson.
Thousands will fill downtown streets for good music, and a good game. "Downtown Jacksonville is going to come alive," said Mayor Alvin Brown.
"We should be ready to rock n' roll," said City Manager of Special Events, Tonisha Landry-Gaines.
Crews are putting together two stages for the Jazz Fest. One on Monroe and Main streets, and the other at Hemming Plaza. There are two of four stages where more than 50 free performances will be showcased. "It's just being in that jazz atmosphere, and the artists are all critically acclaimed," said Thompson.
More than 150,000 people are expected to attend bringing in 20 million dollars to the area. "It's not just good for downtown, it's an investment in the entire community," said Mayor Brown.
"There's more people that are having a staycation, but it brings some regionally to the area," said Landry-Gaines.
Saturday night a record number of soccer fans will also fill EverBank Field to see the U.S. take on Scotland. "It means great things for the city because everyone gets an opportunity to see us," she said.
Whether its the sound of a crowd cheering for goals or three days of smooth tunes, it will all be music to the River City's ears.
To learn more about downtown Jacksonville road closures go to
http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/Event-SubPages/Parking,-Transportation---Traffic.aspx.
