Ben Williams at The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

Winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition, Ben Williams is among today’s most acclaimed jazz bassists. His innovative approach and contemporary sound have earned critical praise and numerous industry honors.

// The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a week-long celebration of music, culture, and community honoring Wilmington’s own Clifford Brown, one of the most influential trumpet players in jazz history. Since its founding in 1989, the festival has grown into the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast, attracting thousands of music lovers from across the region and around the world.

For seven unforgettable days, Rodney Square becomes an outdoor concert venue unlike any other. Grammy Award winners, international touring artists, rising stars, hometown favorites, and groundbreaking performers share one stage in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or simply love great live music, every evening offers something new—from straight-ahead jazz and…