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

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

José James – Jazz, Soul & Modern Music Innovator José James is both conductor and conduit. Across 17 years as a singer, songwriter,...

Get ready to dance! DJ Brother Mister — aka GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride — brings funk, soul, and R&B grooves to the Montclair Jazz Festival Block Party on September 13, 2025.

Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Christian McBride has once again redefined the landscape of modern jazz — this time with his brand-new band, Ursa Major.

Experience the electrifying sounds of saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and her band Phoenix as they headline the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree on September 13 in Montclair, NJ.

World-renowned percussionist Luisito Quintero brings Afro-Caribbean fire to the Signature Cruise Stage at the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival. Free, all-ages performance.

Get ready, Montclair! The Gotham Kings, one of the most exhilarating and high-energy brass ensembles in the country, are set to light up the stage at the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival this September. Fusing New Orleans-style jazz with modern flair, this band isn’t just playing music—they’re throwing a party you won’t want to miss.

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1973 in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Old Havana, and began his musical...