Yes, it’s true: Montclair Jazz Festival is turning 10!
To celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer, there will be two jam-packed weeks kicking off on July 26 and culminating with a grand finale on August 10. The 10th Anniversary grand finale headliners include Bettye LaVette, Joey DeFrancesco, Mark Whitfield, Christian McBride, Eddie Palmieri, Mike Lee, and the JAZZ HOUSE Collective. The festival also includes a 2nd marquee stage in the Family Jazz Discovery Zone, a beer garden, parking shuttle, bike valet, and food and craft concessions.
The first big event, kicking off the Montclair Jazz Festival’s two weeks of music, is the 3rd annual DJ Brother Mister Old School Funk + Soul Dance Party (Friday, July 26, 8 p.m., 18 Label Studios, Montclair) The alter ego of six-time GRAMMY-winner Christian McBride, DJ Brother Mister will spin classic R&B, soul and funk on original analog vinyl from what he considers the “sweet spot” of dance music, from 1966 to 1986. It’s a party you don’t want to miss. Get tickets here!
Two-Jam Packed Weeks of Music And Events!
There is something special every day and night of the week during the Montclair Jazz Festival! On Wednesdays, the Montclair Social Club will highlight Jazz House Kids alumni rising piano stars Emmet Cohen Trio + Isaiah Thompson Trio (July 31) and the second week will feature the incomparable Ed Palermo Big Band (August 7). Palermo’s iconic band has been together since 1980 and has been playing and honing the music of Frank Zappa, among other composers, for over 30 years.
On Thursdays, music fans will head over to the Montclair Brewery for high-energy presentations by some of the most charismatic young performers on the scene today. Matthew Whitaker & Friends will give a special performance on August 8. Whitaker is a music prodigy and long-time Jazz House Kids student now on his way to Juilliard. His talents have taken him all over the world and he’s only 18!
New this year, Montclair Jazz Festival will take over the Montclair Center Stage on Saturday, August 3 for Jazz on Church Street, five hours of live music with performances by Candice Reyes Quintet (CRQ) ft. Nathan Eklund, the Oscar Perez Quartet and the Jazz House Kids Alumni All-Stars. More live music can be found down the street on the DLV Lounge backyard patio on Sunday afternoons with the Jazz House Adult Community Band (July 28 + August 4). Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza will host its annual Jazz House Jam (Date TBA). Community partner Montclair Film will feature a four-part curated jazz film series at its screening room on Bloomfield Avenue on July 28 and August 2, 4 and 9.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
DLV LOUNGE BACKYARD CONCERT
JAZZ HOUSE Adult Community Big Band
Sunday, July 28
3:00pm – 5:30pm | 300 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Suggested donation $10
JAZZ FILM SERIES
Presented by Montclair Film
Sunday, July 28
6pm | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Elevator to the Gallows. Tickets: montclairfilm.org
MONTCLAIR SOCIAL CLUB
PIANO STARS: Emmet Cohen Trio + Isaiah Thompson Trio
Wednesday, July 31
7:00pm + 9:00pm | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
$25 | $30 at the door
JAZZ FILM SERIES
Presented by Montclair Film
Friday, August 2
7:30pm | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Anatomy of a Murder. Tickets: montclairfilm.org
DLV LOUNGE BLUES JAM
Blues Jam House Band
Sunday, August 4
4:00pm – 7pm | 300 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Suggested donation $10
JAZZ FILM SERIES
Presented by Montclair Film
Sunday, August 4
6pm | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Alfie. Tickets: montclairfilm.org
JAZZ @ MONTCLAIR BREWERY
Matthew Whitaker’s B3 Organ Party
Thursday, August 1
7:30pm + 9pm | 101 Walnut St, Montclair
$15 Cover, 2-drink minimum
JAZZ ON CHURCH STREET
A Night of Jazz: Candice Reyes CRQ, The Oscar Perez Quartet, and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS Alumni All-Stars
Saturday, August 3
5pm | Church Street, Montclair
MONTCLAIR SOCIAL CLUB
BiG BAND NIGHT: The Ed Palermo Big Band
Wednesday, August 7
7:00pm + 9:00pm | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
$25 | $30 at the door
JAZZ @ MONTCLAIR BREWERY
High Notes and Hot Steps: “GEMINI” Michela Marino Lerman + Julian Lee
Thursday, Aug 8
7:30pm | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
$15 Cover, 2-drink minimum
JAZZ FILM SERIES
Presented by Montclair Film
Friday, August 9
7:30pm | 505 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
‘Round Midnight. Tickets: montclairfilm.org
GRAND FINALE!JAZZ @ NISHUANE PARK
12pm – 9pm
FULL DAY OF MUSIC AT NISHUANE PARK IN MONTCLAIR
Suggested donation $10
Purchase a Take 5 VIP Club to the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL or a FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL badge to receive special invitations and access to events! You can also sign up to volunteer at the Montclair Jazz Festival and get a free collectible t-shirt.