JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a New Jersey-based nonprofit, has shared the 17th annual Montclair Jazz Festival lineup. The festival will be held in downtown Montclair, NJ, this summer.
The festival begins with several Soundcheck Series concerts in June at The Wellmont Arts Plaza and finishes up with the Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on Saturday, August 15, at Lackawanna Plaza.
The Downtown Jamboree will bring together a wide variety of jazz artists, including Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride Big Band with Bilal, Patrice Rushen, Take Me to the River New Orleans All Stars, featuring Cyril Neville, and The Gotham Kings. Additionally, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra will be in attendance, bringing the Latin jazz and salsa vibe rooted in NYC’s musical history.
“Jazz was born in New Orleans and raised in New York City, but along the way it made many stops where it grew, and continues to grow today,” said McBride, a GRAMMY-winning bassist, a composer, and the Artistic Director of the Montclair Jazz Festival. “The cities that we’re spotlighting at this summer’s festival are among the most important cities in the history of jazz. Places where the music didn’t just develop, but helped shape the cultural identity of the cities themselves.”
The 2026 festival will also honor the 100th birthdays of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Along with that, the Smithsonian Institution selected the Montclair Jazz Festival as one of its collaborating festivals for “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” connected to the country’s 250th anniversary.
The Soundcheck Series will include Bobby Watson/Jason Moran on June 16, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra under Guest Conductor Jon Faddis on July 1, Michele Rosewoman and Quintessence/Orrin Evans on July 14, Joel Ross’ Good Vibes on July 28, and Rebirth Brass Band on August 4.
For more information, visit montclairjazzfestival.org.
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