You'll find choices: you can go for the senior tickets for the club-based shows, or go for the concurrent headliner performances at the Carolina Theatre. That's the nature of the Festival: many choices, some of them tough.
To make those choices, check out performer websites & YouTube videos, especially for those you don't know. A little research makes things easier. I've done it, made some preliminary choices, & then I'll recheck some sites next month to catch up on the latest music before making final choices & buying tickets.
Charlotte Jazz Festival: I accidently found this event while checking a performer website. It's 4/21-23, centering on two nights of Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, with many satellite performances (including local saxist Brian Miller). For more info: wwwblumenthalarts.org.
Imbibe: Though that's a practical recommendation, it's a new venue for some jazz--on Monday nights, in downtown Chapel Hill. Trombonist/singer Danny Grewen & pianist Robert Griffin are there, & the owner seems interested in adding more jazz performers. Plus, it's a funky place with a funky bar menu, & wine at retail prices for immediate consumption. Imbibe, indeed...