Selby Ave JazzFest was the brain child of Selby Ave entrepreneur Mychael Wright. He was looking to generate energy and enthusiasm about the new businesses in the area. Having opened Golden Thyme Coffee at the intersection of Selby and Milton, he decided to hold a small afternoon of fun, food and music. After the success of the first annual Selby Ave JazzFest, Mychael worked with the Selby Area CDC to grow and expand the event. Along with Mychael other community members have been crucial in keeping the event vibrant, community focused, and grassroots based. Janet Williams, long time community resident, has worked to shape the event and help it continue to grow.

This year the Selby Area CDC received a Cultural STAR Grant from the City of Saint Paul to support the strengthening of the musical acts and to bring in 5 time Grammy Nominee Jason "Malletman" Taylor in addition to the high quality local hits who performed this year. Malletman will also be conducting a workshop with the local Walker West Music Academy.