Art & Jazz on the Avenue promises mid-week fun in downtown Delray Beach

Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·2 min read

Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Delray Beach intends to deliver, filling several downtown blocks with music, live artwork, dancing, dining and more on Wednesday, July 26 for the annual Art & Jazz on the Avenue festival.

Put on by Delray Beach's Downtown Development Authority, this party is pulling out all the stops.

The event will stretch along East Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to Northeast Fifth Avenue and include four stages with five musical acts: the Mylon Shambles Quartet, The Flyers, Spider Cherry, Derek Mack 4 and Genitta's Vendetta.

Bringing their blend of R&B and pop, the Mylon Shambles Quartet will hit the stage at the intersection at Second Avenue.

Around the same time, The Flyers will be rocking the stage at Johnnie Brown's with their mix of rock, funk and blues. Dig it!

Taking the stage at Tin Roof will be South Florida's groove-inducing cool cats Spider Cherry. Seriously, let lead singer Nathan Mercado and the lads take you on a fun and funky journey via originals and covers.

The stage at The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar will feature the Derek Mack 4 offering up some sweet funk, jazz and dance. The stage will also host Genitta's Vendetta bringing a cool mix of Rat Pack and swing.

Though he is proficient in many mediums, artist Craig McInniss loves working with paint. Known for his large-scale canvas works and murals, see him create at Art & Jazz on the Avenue on Wednesday, July 26 in downtown Delray Beach.
Though he is proficient in many mediums, artist Craig McInniss loves working with paint. Known for his large-scale canvas works and murals, see him create at Art & Jazz on the Avenue on Wednesday, July 26 in downtown Delray Beach.

If you enjoy the beautiful murals that can be found throughout many South Florida downtowns, now's your opportunity to actually see part of the process and meet some of the area's top creators.

Artists including Emo, Jukes, Craig McInniss and Renata Rodrigues will be showing their prowess and applying their works in several areas throughout the festival.

One of four featured artists at Art & Jazz on the Avenue, Renata Rodrigues will be doing mural work live.
One of four featured artists at Art & Jazz on the Avenue, Renata Rodrigues will be doing mural work live.
The artist known as Jukes (Steven Goodman) will be one of four featured artists at Art & Jazz on the Avenue. His works, like this one titled "Flamingo Paradise," mix realism with a touch of abstract.
The artist known as Jukes (Steven Goodman) will be one of four featured artists at Art & Jazz on the Avenue. His works, like this one titled "Flamingo Paradise," mix realism with a touch of abstract.

In addition to being a feast for the ears and eyes, the event happening in the heart of Delray Beach also will offer fantastic food — after all, East Atlantic Avenue is home to a multitude of restaurants. Among the options: Elisabetta's Restaurante, Rocco's Tacos, Cabana El Rey, Johnnie Brown's, Lionfish and many more.

For those just wanting to grab and go, A-Kitchen will be on the street serving up empanadas.

Organizers also are accommodating the younger audience with an interactive kids' zone including face painting, a caricaturist and games.

If you go

What: Art & Jazz on the Avenue

Where: East Atlantic Avenue from Swinton Avenue to NE Fifth Avenue

When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26

Cost: Free

Information: downtowndelraybeach.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Downtown Delray Beach hosts multiple bands, great food on Atlantic Ave