SunTrust Jazz Brunch First Sundays

This was my first time here and wanted to do it for months, the music was good while the audio system had some issues (on the main stage) at Esplanade Gazebo. There were plenty of spaces and it seems the long weekend reduced a bit the public. You have to bring the same stuff as you do when going to the beach, you will need it otherwise you may have to be standing long periods…
The second stage at PECK Courtyard was almost empty, I would say 12 to 20 people max at a given time, this band (a quartet) played a more melo-​jazz, I really enjoyed it more. My only complain was not to have beverages for sale on that side, the day was terrible hot and I was long time without a beer, Lemonade or just a bottle of Water.
So this is not a real JAZZ BRUNCH, because there isn’t too many good options for breakfast on the stands, and again, the PECK Courtyard had nobody servicing or selling anything…
I’ll came back again soon.
PS: in case I didn’t explain myself properly;
The main stage is huge and have plenty of spaces to gather, you will need chairs and umbrella. They do sale food and drinks like beers.
The secondary stage at PECK Courtyard (below Abdo New River Room) has lot a sits and shadows, the band is smaller, this time they played smother and classics Jazz (This change obviously). Only complain NOTHING FIR SALE, even a bottle of water.
I didn’t checked on the third stage, next time I will…

This is a great activity during the cooler months. If you want to sit in front of the Esplanade Stage you must get there around 9:30am to reserve your space with a blanket. E
There are also little stages setup along the river walk that are shaded and not as loud. Esplanade stage is loud so it is difficult to have a conversation. People will be dancing on stage and it is very lively in this area.
The stages along the river are quieter and people are more relaxed. People bring chairs, tables, canopies and set up everywhere to hear the great music. Bring food and libations. There are a few food booths setup so you can purchase food. They have port– a-​potties setup and there are public restrooms at Esplanade park.
The event is 11 – 2 every first Sunday of the month. There are $ 5 parking lots all around the area. It is a great family event that is FREE!

Tis the first Sunday of every month which gives me a gentle reminder of why I love living in Fort Lauderdale so much.
granted we don’t have much of 4 seasons down here, but there is nothing like that first sunday in Dec orJan in your lawn chair with your proscecco listenin some great jazz music while munchin on your publix subs that makes you feel like all is right in the world… perhaps it may be the booze talkin but I’ll take that feeling for that moment in time.
children, 4 legged or 2 legged are welcome
get there early, post up shop, pack a picnic or hit up a vendor and enjoy 11am-​2pm every first Sunday

Sunday October 5, 2014 was the first beautiful, Sunday we have had in South Florida in weeks. Mild temperatures, low humidity and the sun was shining South Florida style. What better place to be than at the popular Sun Trust Jazz Brunch. Granted, Sunday has many NFL football games to watch, but how many days do we get like this? How many days like this fall on the Jazz Brunch? So we put the football aside and went out to spend the day on the Riverwalk. The Sunday Jazz Brunch always falls on the first Sunday of every month right on the beautiful New River and down the street from some of the most popular restaurants and bars in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale; I mentioned that because they all have TV’s to watch the 2^nd Half of the 1:00 games as you leave the Jazz Fest. Just can’t stay away from Sunday games 100% I suppose.
The Jazz Fest is one of the greatest people watching places and everyone is happy and in the partying mood, starting early on Sunday morning. The Jazz Fest «starts» at 11 am, but many people come early to set up their own canopies, cabanas with tables, coolers and bring enough food and alcohol to have a great afternoon with their loved ones and friends. The more people the better. There are some food venders there, but the variety of food is not great so people bring their own picnic, on a small blanket or chairs to large parties set up with tables and table clothes and everyone brings their own dishes of great food, wine and drinks. Their are 4 stages of music, a large stage on the water centered in the middle of the festival that everyone can see, dance or do whatever. Some of the areas best jazz artists play here. The band they had last Sunday was really good, bluesy and had people on their feet dancing. Everyone is in a great mood and you can meet a lot of people just like you having a great time. My wife and I brought a blanket and a bottle of nice wine and sat under a tree right in front of the river by the dock. I figure next time we plan to go it would be great to set up a get together with our friends, get there early and everyone brings a dish and drinks to spend the day there. This is the place to be for great music, food and a chance to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Parking is really not a problem, there are plenty of outdoor parking areas and indoor parking garages, very little distance from the event. If you have a dog or dogs, they are more than welcome. So many people bring their dogs. They even have a Humane Society Truck right outside the park so people can see some of the dogs or cats that may need a home. As you walk in, you can stop there to look. What a great place to bond with your new family member!!!

Events like this make me love ft lauderdale. The first Sunday of every month down by Riverwalk esplanade park and the gazebo area near riverfront inn is litterally transformed. we rode our bikes down there and there was a ton of people in brunch — picnic mode. A lot of other people also biked but parking is easily nearby for 5. The events go from 11 – 3. It’s also very dog friendly with city provided water bowls scatter amongst river walk. If you don’t wanna byob or food there are vendors selling beer, mimosas, and food. It’s a great event and FREE!

IF you are around the first Sunday of the month and are in the Fort Lauderdale area this is a wonderful event for you to visit. It’s on The Riverfront area, I usually park in the $ 5 garage by Tarpon Bend and schelp my picnic down to the river.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Get there early, especially if you have a big group, and stake out your seating. It’s about 3 blocks long, 3 or 4 different Jazz stages, food, crafts, etc
2) Bring your dog. Bring your kids. But most importantly bring your BOOZE! You can drink all you want here so pack up the cooler and make a run for it. Remember: Fort Lauderdale doesn’t sell until after NOON on Sundays so you will need to prepare Saturday night. They even have recycling bins for you to put your empty bottles of champagne in, but bring whatever you want and drink up!
4) Pack a kickass PICNIC. Sometimes, there’s upwards of 20 of us, we all bring at least 2 bottles of champagne, mixers, and something to eat.
5) Bring blankets, chairs, a wine cork, napkins, silverware, plates, and a garbage bag – think of a super duper picnic. Some people even bring little grilles, they apparently think they are tailgating. I also suggest a cooler that has wheels.
6) Bring a separate speaker box – when the music stops at 2 doesn’t mean your party is over! You can stay all day if you want. Otherwise, we typically move the party to Tarpon Bend and watch football – I mean really it doensn’t get any better.
7) it’s only rained once, but it really sucked. Pack an umbrella and a puncho just in case, but check the weather before you go.
8) Relax and Enjoy you’re in Paradise.

Live Jazz from 3 – 4 Bands in three fabulous locations!
Definitely recommend this outing! On hotter days, plan on strolling through (perhaps pick up a snack from a vendor along the way!) On «cooler» days (by Florida standards!!) with perfect weather, bring a blanket, a few drinks, a ball and some snacks and just lounge and enjoy! Perfect way to spend a morning!
The River Front comes alive each month when 3 – 4 fantastic jazz bands take stage the first Sunday of the month from 10−2pm.
Esplanade Park hosts one band, C. Hoffman Gazebo hosts a jazz band to delight patrons by the water, Las Olas Riverfront Gazebo entertains Riverfront visitors, and Peck Auditorium (of Broward Performing Arts Center) hosts a buffet brunch and another band!
For us, the event is fun no matter how we partake Some days, we love just strolling through listening to the music and picking up a crêpe and people. Other days (like today!) we pack a blanket, some wine, fruits, cheeses, sparkling water and some toys for the baby and spend a luxurious afternoon lounging in the park, listening to our favorite songs while the baby plays.
Can’t wait until next month!