Legendary Jazz Festival Captured on Film
The 1958 Newport Jazz Festival is brought to life in a special screening of Jazz on a Summer's Day, featuring iconic performances from Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson. This documentary concert film showcases the best of jazz at a pivotal moment in music history.
Dir: Bert Stern
Cast: Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Gerry Mulligan, Dinah Washington, Chico Hamilton, Anita O'Day, George Shearing, Jimmy Giuffre
82 mins · 1960 · United States of America · English
IMDb 7.9/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 97% · TMDB 7.3/10 · Trakt 79%
Awards: 2 wins
The film Jazz on a Summer's Day was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant", a testament to its enduring influence. Directed by Bert Stern and Aram Avakian, the documentary features a star-studded cast, including Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, and Gerry Mulligan, performing at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island. The film is a concert documentary that blends images of the town and its waterways with performances, creating a unique and captivating experience.
The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.9/10 rating on IMDb. It has also won two awards and has been recognised for its cultural significance. The special screening at the Curzon Canterbury Westgate in Canterbury on Monday, 9 November 2026, will include interviews from the 2021 Green Man Festival, hosted by Jason Solomons, making it a unique and unmissable event. Tickets are with the button beside the article.
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