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

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

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

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

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