Here’s what’s happening this week — Montclair Jazz Festival upcoming events:
(JULY 29-AUGUST 9: DAILY) Facebook Live Series! Jazz in the Afternoon With Special Guests – 2:30-3:30PM from Montclair State University. Daily JAZZ HOUSE afternoon concerts offered at the JAZZ HOUSE Summer Workshop will stream live from Montclair State University from 2:30 to 3:30 pm from July 29 – August 9. Last year more than 10,000 fans enjoyed performances by rising stars and jazz legends, and exclusive Q&A sessions with JAZZ HOUSE Artistic Chair Christian McBride.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 – 7PM & 9:30PM: Piano Stars at Montclair Social Club – Isiah Thompson Trio + Emmet Cohen. * Second Set Added Due to Demand * In one mind-blowing set, hear two of the hottest rising pianists in jazz today, one from Montclair and one from West Orange, and both recent award winners! The Montclair Social Club is a cozy lounge with a classic vibe and some of the best food and drinks in Montclair. First up is Jazz House Kids alumnus and Juilliard School of Music graduate Isiah Thompson, who grew up in West Orange and just received 2nd prize in 2018’s prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Then enjoy Emmet Cohen, a graduate of Montclair High School and the Manhattan School of Music who won the 2019 American Pianists Award and is a recording artist with Mack Avenue Records. 499 Bloomfield Avenue. $25 advance / $30 door. * Piano courtesy of Steinway & Sons *
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 – 7:30PM: Jazz at Montclair Brewery with Matthew Whitaker’s B-3 Organ Party. This popular local brewery hosts one of the most charismatic young performers in music, pianist Matthew Whitaker. A music prodigy and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS alumnus, he has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC’s Today Show and will be featured on 60 Minutes. Whitaker has performedas a headliner at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Apollo Theater, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Newport Jazz Festival among others. This is not-to-be-missed! 101 Walnut Street. $15 with (2) drink minimum.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 – 7PM Concert / 7:30PM Film: Anatomy Of A Murder – JAZZ HOUSE Classics Film Series + Pre-Film Performance. This second film in the series with Montclair Film features a legendary score by pianist/composer Duke Ellington.A pre-film performance by Jazz House Kids will happen (30) minutes prior to showtime. Investors Bank Film & Media Center. 505 Bloomfield Avenue. $10 general / $8 member. montclairfilm.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 – 6PM: Montclair Center Stage’s Jazz Outdoors on Church Street. Join us for free concerts by three different exciting bands as part of Montclair Center Stage’s weekly music series, which invites residents and visitors to enjoy the best in live, local music every Saturday on Church Street from May to September (weather permitting). This great night of music is presented in partnership with Montclair Center BID. Corner of Park and Church Streets. FREE
6PM * JAZZ HOUSE ALUMNI ALL STARS * Alumni of Jazz House Kids show their stuff!
7PM * CANDICE REYES QUARTET (CRQ) * featuring Nathan Eklund. This refreshing young vocalist performs has a growing profile in the tri-state area with CRQ. Their recent album Your Way features MJF’s artistic director Christian McBride on bass and Grammy-nominated Nathan Eklund on trumpet.
8:30PM * OSCAR PEREZ QUINTET * A sought-after player, Oscar Perez studied with master pianist Danilo Perez (no relation) and legendary jazz artist Sir Roland Hanna and recently received a compositional award from Chamber Music America and placed 2ndin the Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Come see him in this intimate setting while you can!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 – 6PM Concert / 6:30PM Film: Alfie – JAZZ HOUSE Classics Film Series + Pre-Film Performance. This third film in the series features character-defining music by saxophonist/composer Sonny Rollins. A pre-film performance by JAZZ HOUSE Kids will happen (30) minutes prior to showtime. See July 28 for more info. Investors Bank Film & Media Center. 505 Bloomfield Avenue. $10 general / $8 member. montclairfilm.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 – 4PM: DLV Lounge Blues Jam. A house blues jam will be happening at the DLV Lounge, a Montclair institution for nearly 50 years. Enjoy cocktails, beer and classic blues! 300 Bloomfield Avenue. Suggested donation: $10.
For more information, visit Montclair Jazz Festival.