A Legacy of Community, Culture, and Connection.
our history
ABOUT Selby Ave Jazz Fest
The story of the Selby Ave JazzFest is rooted in the resilient spirit of St. Paul’s Selby and Rondo neighborhoods—places that have always centered on family, community, and togetherness.
BACKGROUND
A Vision for Healing
In the early months of 2002, Mychael Wright, community activist and former owner of Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe, envisioned an event that would rekindle the neighborhood’s spirit. Following the somber year after 9/11, Mychael felt a call to action.
"I’m tired of feeling this way. We need to celebrate the good things that are going on in this world… especially here on Selby."
— Mychael Wright
Seeking a way to bring people together for a “good old-fashioned block party,” he organized the inaugural Selby Ave JazzFest on Milton Avenue. Despite a rainy start, the clouds broke at noon, and 600 enthusiastic neighbors gathered for an afternoon of local jazz, food, and much-needed community healing.
From Block Party to Signature Event
What began as a small neighborhood gathering quickly blossomed. Over the decades, the JazzFest evolved into one of St. Paul’s signature cultural events, eventually drawing crowds of up to 12,000 people. It became more than just a music festival; it became a platform to reposition Selby Avenue as a safe, hip, and vibrant cultural destination.
In 2024, after over two decades of dedicated service, Mychael and Stephanie Wright retired from their JazzFest leadership roles.
To ensure the festival’s future, they looked to a pillar of the local arts community
Walker|West Music Academy.
Walker|West embraced the opportunity to carry the torch. The transition aligns perfectly with the academy’s mission to heal and benefit the community through both music education and performance.
Today, the Selby Ave JazzFest continues to thrive as a bridge between generations and a celebration of the shared arts experience that makes our community whole.