February 17 - Thin Man Watts Jazz Festival - A Celebration of History

By Cathy Padilla

The annual “Thin Man” Watts Jazz Festival held in downtown DeLand brings the community together over a shared heritage to celebrate jazz, blues, and gospel music. First held in May of 2004 at the African American Museum Amphitheater, the festival honors Dr. Noble “Thin Man” Watts for whom the amphitheater is now named. For 2024, the festival will be held on Dr. Watts' birthday, February 17, and run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dr. Watts was born in DeLand and is a legendary saxophonist and band leader who grew up studying violin and trumpet. He advanced his musical training at Florida A&M University and was bestowed an honorary doctorate in 2000 by Stetson University. After college, Dr. Watts' professional career in music included playing with The Griffin Brothers. He then went on to work with many music legends during the 1950s, including Dinah Washington, the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, and Lionel Hampton. He appeared on television with Johnny Mathis in 1957 on "American Bandstand" and performed at the Harlem Club.

The African American Museum of the Arts and Mainstreet DeLand Association are producing the 2024 "Thin Man" Watts Jazz Fest as a live event. Tickets will cover access to the venue at the Dr. Noble "Thin Man" Watts Amphitheater, located at 322 S. Clara Ave in DeLand. To purchase your tickets for the event please click here. Bring lawn chairs.

• General Admission Tickets for the event are $15 per person in advance, and $20 per person the day of the event.
• VIP Tickets for the event are $25 per person in advance and $30 the day of the event, if available. VIP Tickets offer preferred seating in the thick of the action!
• Free admission for children 12 & under.