On this Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating African-American culture, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS proudly announces the lineup and events for the 15th Anniversary of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL. This summer-long celebration of jazz, a genre deeply rooted in the African-American experience, will feature an extraordinary array of performances and activities (https://www.montclairjazzfestival.org).
Headliners and Featured Artists:
- Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton: The powerhouse GRAMMY-winning vocalist, renowned for her 25-year tour with The Rolling Stones and her starring role in the Oscar-winning film 20 Feet From Stardom, showcasing her illustrious career with legends like Luther Vandross, Sting, and Tina Turner.
- Christian McBride: The nine-time GRAMMY-winning bassist and the festival’s music director will perform with his acclaimed quintet, Inside Straight.
- Jerome Jennings & Ill Philosophy
- Edmar Castañeda Quartet: The mesmerizing Colombian harpist.
- Steve Turre Sextet: Featuring the veteran trombonist and seashellist.
- Brianna Thomas: A rising star in the jazz world.
- Montclair State University Jazz Ensemble: Directed by Oscar Perez.
- JAZZ HOUSE Collective Celebrating Sarah Vaughan: Featuring vocalist Melissa Walker.
Special Debut: The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL will debut the JAZZ HOUSE Legacy Band, following their sold-out performance at the Sarah Vaughan Centennial hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Legacy Band tour continues aboard the Jazz Cruise Celebrity Summit in January 2025.
Watch Christian McBride’s New Jawn perform at MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023: Video
Festival Highlights:
"One of the hallmarks of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is to bring the very best of new and upcoming talent to the stage, coupled with an all-star cast of legendary artists we are excited to bring to town. More than 250 artists will be featured over the course of the Festival and one of my favorite comedians on the scene today, Alonzo Bodden. I’ll see you at the Block Party late show for DJ Brother Mister. Get ready!" — Christian McBride, Artistic Director + Curator
The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is the largest free jazz festival in the greater NYC region, welcoming 25,000 music fans to Montclair. The festival kicks off with performances at the Wellmont Arts Plaza and around town before heading to Montclair State University for the Uptown Showcase featuring talented students from JAZZ HOUSE Summer Workshop.
Grand Finale Week:
September brings the grand finale week with engaging community events leading up to the Bloomfield Avenue Downtown Jamboree. This year, the festival will culminate in a giant 15th Anniversary Celebration Block Party featuring DJ Brother Mister (AKA Christian McBride) and special guest DJ Prince Hakim.
"We are thrilled to showcase our vibrant community and its diverse dining, retail, and arts offerings to jazz enthusiasts from near and far. The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL’s 15th anniversary year promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community." — Jason Gleason, Executive Director, Montclair Center BID
Additional Summer Events:
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS will host the Soundcheck Series and the Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series throughout the summer, featuring artists like Wallace Roney Jr., Vanessa Perea, and the Robert Edwards Big Band.
"The Wellmont Theater is thrilled to partner with JAZZ HOUSE KiDS for their Soundcheck Series & The Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, JAZZ HOUSE has been a cornerstone of our local music and arts community." — David Genova, Owner, Wellmont Theater
Centennial Artist: Sarah Vaughan
This year’s celebrated centennial artist is revered vocalist Sarah Vaughan, depicted by visual artist Andres Chaparro. Vaughan’s formidable vocal range, sublime musicianship, and daring interpretations have inspired generations of jazz singers.
Message from the Founder:
“This year’s festival is a thank you to our fans and longtime supporters. They’ve weathered the storms, brought us back from the pandemic, danced in the streets, and lifted up as one community -- making the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL what it is today.” — Melissa Walker, Founder + President, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL welcomes all who want to celebrate America's rich history of jazz, youth development, and community building. JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is introducing a membership program with year-round benefits and festival perks. For more information, visit the website and download the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL App in the Google or Apple store.
Contact: JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
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