A group of local citizens with a love of jazz music dreamed of a  jazz festival held in Watertown—no one else was doing Jazz Festivals at the time. John Jewell and Sharon McComb put a committee together to plan for the first annual event, and would continue through 2004 as the primary organizers of the event.

1996--First year!  With budget of $6,000 and 6 groups, Firehouse Jazz, The Establishment, Som Brasiliero, Conversation, Mood Swing, and Glenn Martin and Company. Steve Farnsley was Music Director. MC Harry Stephenson, WAMB Radio Setup on TWO STAGES, it was a one day event, on Sat from 10am - 4pm — Attendance probably 300-500.

1997--Glenn Martin Music Director ::  8 Groups, one day event—11am-10pm much larger evening crowd

1998—Glenn Martin Music Director :: 8 groups, one day event—3pm - 12am Crowds  continue to grow.  This was the first year for an excursion train to come to Jazz Festival (Nashville & Eastern Rail Road)   MC Betty Stephens

1999—Glenn Martin Music Director: ::  11 groups, one day event, 1pm-10pm. MC John McMillin and Stephen Brown 

2000—Glenn Martin Music Director :: For the first time the event expands to TWO DAY —Friday 6pm-11pm and Saturday 3pm-11pm.   14 groups and a budget of $24,000.   Boots Randolph also featured as a headliner.  Added bleacher seating to accommodate the ever growing crowds.

2001—Glenn Martin Music Director ::  Continues as a two day event -  Friday 5pm-12am and Sat 4pm-12am Boots Randolph is the headliner again, and crowds top 4,000 for both nights.

2002—Glenn Martin Music Director :: Friday 3pm-12am and Sat 2:30pm-12am 23 groups!  Budget continues at about $25,000  Attendance about 6,000 for both nights.  MC Gary Batey

2003---Glenn Martin Music Director :: Friday 1p-10p and Sat. 1p-10p  Budget grows to $60,000. Headliners Friday Pete Christlieb, Andy Martin and the Lori Mechem Trio

Saturday Maynard Ferguson and Bib Bop Nouveau MC Gary Batey  Crowds of 8,000 for both nights!

2004- Glen Martin Music Director :: Friday 5pm-11pm with six performers.  Featuring Ed Shaughnessy & The Tonight Show All-Stars

Saturdy: 12:pm - 11pm  with 10 performers.  FeaturingEllis Marsalis and Bob Curnow with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra. 

2005 - The original event planners stepped down after 2004 - because the event had grown so larget it was difficult to find a new planner, and the future of the Watertown Jazz Festival was in jeopardy.  A new group of volunteers took over, with the help of Cumberland University.  Because of the late start, the event was scaled back in size, 9 groups this year, and one night only -  Saturday only, 4pm - 12pm.  Featuring Boots Randolph and the Cumberland Jazz Group

2006 - Another great event thanks to the continued efforts of the new volunteers and organizers.  Saturday only, 3pm - 12pm.  Featuring Nashville Jazz Machine, Earl & Ernie Vantrease (w/ Donald Brown), Cumberland University Quartet, Jeff Coffin Mutet, US Navy Band, Pat Coil Sextet, Jim Ferguson Quartet, Bonnie Bramlett, and Mulligan Stew.

2007 - Once again the Watertown Jazz Festival is in full form - two stages and seven bands provide a fantastic evening of live jazz music.  The headliners, the Nashville Jazz Orchestra with Annie Sellick, really brought the crowd to their feet with an outstanding performance.

2008 - As the event continues to grow, the organizers realize that professional planning is the key to a well organize, well run event.  Planit Nashville is contracted to take over planning and fund raising for 2008....stay tuned, more to come!