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

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

For nearly four decades, The Rebirth Brass Band has redefined what it means to bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans music to the world. Founded in 1983 by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier along with their friend Kermit Ruffins, the band quickly became a sensation, blending the traditional brass sounds of the Big Easy with modern funk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences. What began as a group of high school musicians performing on the streets of New Orleans has now evolved i

Five-time Grammy winner DIANNE REEVES is the world’s pre-eminent jazz vocalist. As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings — a Grammy first in any vocal category. Reeves has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenbo

Pianist, composer, and artist Jason Moran is the former Artistic Director for Jazz at The Kennedy Center. He has released 18 solo recordings with Blue Note Records and Yes Records. He curated the permanent exhibition Here to Stay for the newly opened Louis Armstrong Center in Queens, New York and has co-curated the exhibition I’ve Seen the Wall: Louis Armstrong on Tour in the GDR 1965 at Das Minsk Kunsthaus in Potsdam, Germany. In 2022, he was inducted into the American Acade

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the three-time Grammy® winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, sets the gold standard for excellence in authentic, New York style, hard core salsa. Whether in a concert hall or at an outdoor jazz festival, there is no easing you in, they come at you full force, from start to finish. Their energy on stage and their rich sound and musical precision leave audiences mesmerized until the last note is played. With an unwavering respect for the music’s storied h

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. ‘Take Me To The River’ is a unique not-for-profit education initiative that uses award-winning live music shows, award-winning full-length feat