GRAMMY Award winning artist Bilal returns to the spotlight Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and neo-soul artist Bilal is coming to the 2026 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN JAMBOREE on Saturday, August 15, bringing one of the most anticipated performances of the summer to downtown Montclair, New Jersey. Known for his powerful vocals, genre-bending sound, and unforgettable live performances, Bilal has spent more than two decades pushing the boundaries of jazz, soul, and alte

August 15 Downtown Jamboree at Lackawanna Plaza Performers Include: Take Me to the River New Orleans All-Stars (featuring Cyril Neville) Dianne Reeves Christian McBride Big Band w/ Bilal Patrice Rushen Spanish Harlem Orchestra JAZZ HOUSE Collective Celebrates John Coltrane and Miles Davis Gotham Kings Five-Week Soundcheck Series Performers Include: Bobby Watson/Jason Moran (June 16) The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Guest Conductor John Faddis (July 1

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BE A PART OF IT. MAKE IT YOURS! Support the summer tradition you know and love with a new MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL JAM PASS. In keeping with our commitment to making the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL accessible to all of our neighbors, as production costs rise year after year, all proceeds will help sustain the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL for years to come. Get your “Pay What You Wish” JAM PASS ticket now and receive: Express entry in our new JAM PASS Fast Lane Entry into a sweepstakes

Rebirth Brass Band: The Grammy-Winning New Orleans Group Keeping Brass Band Jazz Alive Why Rebirth Brass Band Remains One of the Most Exciting Live Jazz Groups Few groups capture the spirit, energy, and soul of New Orleans music like Rebirth Brass Band. For more than four decades, the legendary ensemble has helped redefine modern brass band music by blending traditional New Orleans jazz with funk, hip-hop, soul, and street-parade rhythms. Known worldwide for their explosive l

Joel Ross’ Good Vibes Brings Modern Chicago Jazz to the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Soundcheck Series on July 28 Joel Ross is one of the leading voices in modern jazz today. The Chicago-born vibraphonist and Blue Note Records artist has earned international acclaim for music that blends rhythmic sophistication, lyrical melody, and adventurous improvisation. Since releasing his breakthrough album KingMaker in 2019, Ross has quickly established himself as one of the most innovative

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and John Faddis Keep Big Band Jazz Alive and Thriving Why the Count Basie Orchestra Remains One of the Greatest Jazz Ensembles in History Few groups in American music history carry the legacy, power, and influence of The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. For generations, the orchestra has defined the sound of big band jazz through its unmatched swing, precision, and energy. Now, under the direction of guest conductor and trumpet virtuoso Joh

Orrin Evans Brings Bold Contemporary Jazz to the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL SoundCheck Series on July 14 Who Is Orrin Evans? Philadelphia-born pianist Orrin Evans has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of jazz’s most adventurous and independent artists. Throughout his career, Evans has earned widespread acclaim for his innovative compositions, emotionally charged performances, and genre-crossing collaborations. He has released numerous acclaimed recordings

Who Is Michele Rosewoman? Michele Rosewoman is one of the most innovative pianists and composers in contemporary jazz. Over a career spanning decades, she has earned international recognition for her groundbreaking approach to rhythm, improvisation, and composition. Her music draws deeply from Afro-Cuban traditions while incorporating elements of post-bop, avant-garde jazz, and experimental improvisation. Rosewoman’s performances are known for their complexity, emotional inte

Dianne Reeves: The Grammy-Winning Jazz Vocalist Who Transforms Every Performance Why Dianne Reeves Is One of the Greatest Jazz Singers of Our Time Few vocalists in modern jazz possess the emotional depth, technical brilliance, and stage presence of Dianne Reeves. The internationally acclaimed Grammy-winning singer has spent decades captivating audiences with a voice that moves effortlessly between jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and world music influences. Known for her stunning im

Bobby Watson: Why the Legendary Jazz Saxophonist Remains a Must-See Live Performer One of the Most Influential Jazz Musicians of His Generation Few artists have shaped modern jazz as profoundly as Bobby Watson. The internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader has spent decades redefining contemporary jazz through powerful performances, innovative compositions, and fearless improvisation. For jazz fans searching for legendary live jazz artists, inf

Get ready to dance! DJ Prince Hakim brings his world-famous “Bring the Party” beats to the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Block Party on August 15 at 8 PM at Lackawanna Station. Free event, all are welcome!

Jason Moran: The Visionary Pianist Redefining Modern Jazz Performance Why Jason Moran Is One of the Most Important Jazz Artists Today Few contemporary musicians have transformed jazz performance as boldly and creatively as Jason Moran. The acclaimed pianist, composer, bandleader, and artistic visionary has spent more than two decades expanding the boundaries of modern jazz while remaining deeply connected to its history. Known for blending jazz improvisation with classical m

Patrice Rushen: The Genre-Defying Artist Who Changed Jazz, Funk, and R&B Why Patrice Rushen Remains One of Music’s Most Influential Performers Few artists in modern music history have blended jazz, funk, soul, and R&B as seamlessly as Patrice Rushen. The Grammy-winning pianist, composer, producer, vocalist, and musical director has spent decades creating music that crosses genres while remaining rooted in extraordinary musicianship. Known for her infectious grooves, sophistic

Spanish Harlem Orchestra: The Grammy-Winning Salsa and Latin Jazz Powerhouse Why Spanish Harlem Orchestra Is One of the Most Exciting Live Latin Jazz Bands Few groups capture the energy, rhythm, and spirit of Latin jazz quite like Spanish Harlem Orchestra. The internationally acclaimed ensemble has spent more than two decades revitalizing classic New York salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz traditions while bringing modern energy to audiences around the world. Known for explosive live

Take Me To The River New Orleans Headlines the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree Who Is Take Me To The River New Orleans? Take Me to the River’ is not just a project; it’s a heartfelt journey into the soul of American music. Born from a desire to celebrate and preserve the rich musical legacies of Memphis and New Orleans, the initiative has grown into a movement that documents, educates, and showcases the profound cultural impact of these musical havens. The live

Find your way around the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree + Block Party! On Saturday, August 15, the Montclair Jazz Festival takes over historic Lackawanna Station and Grove Street for a full day of world-class jazz, food and artisan vendors, family activities, and a massive evening funk + soul dance party. Use this event map to explore both outdoor stages, the Rao’s Homemade Marketplace, Jazz Bars, Family Jazz Discovery Zone, VIP areas, and more—so you won’t mi

JAZZ is the sound of FREEDOM finding its voice. To commemorate America’s semiquincentennial, the 17th annual MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS will celebrate the jazz cities that shape our culture and tell our national story. “Jazz was born in New Orleans and raised in New York City, but along the way it made many stops where it grew, and continues to grow today. The cities that we’re spotlighting at this summer’s festival are among the most important cit

The 17th annual MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL kicks off with five Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts starting in June and culminates with the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on Saturday, August 15, 2026 The 17th annual MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL has been selected by the Smithsonian Institution as a collaborating festival to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. For this occasion, the Smithsonian is taking its oldest and largest public event—the

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