One of the earliest -- and possibly the very first -- jazz concerts that I attended was the Atlanta Festival in the mid-80s. IIRC, the festival at that time was usually held in Grant Park. But it was raining, so they moved the festival indoors. I think it was held in an auditorium on the Georgia Tech campus. I remember two acts clearly: the Michel Petrucciani Trio and the Bazooka Ants -- with our very own Jeff Crompton!
I have vivid memories of the Bazooka Ant's fantastic rendition of James Brown's "Mother Popcorn"!
I remember liking Petrucciani's music. But much of it was over my head at the time. . . .Later on, I fell in love with his playing.