The Montclair Jazz Festival announced the lineup for its Downtown Jamboree, held in downtown Montclair, N.J. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Among the artists scheduled for this free event produced by the Jazz House Kids organization are Christian McBride, Antibalas, Steve Turre, Melanie Charles, Person to Person (featuring saxophonists Eric Person and Houston Person), Edmar Castaneda, Vince Ector, Regina Carter, Michael Mwenso and the Jazz House Collective.
The one-day event, curated by McBride, features performances on three stages and is preceded by two Soundcheck series concerts, jam sessions and community events this summer that comprise the Montclair Jazz Festival. The festival is kicked off on Aug. 12 with the Lackawanna Plaza Block Party, which presents 150 Jazz House Kids musicians performing in seven big bands and a vocal choir, followed by sets by guitarist Sigler and bassist Endea Owns & the Cookout. The Block Party ends with a funk and soul dance party DJ-ed by Brother Mister, aka Christian McBride. In addition, the Soundcheck series features concerts by saxophonists Bruce Williams (July 27) and Roxy Coss (August 24).
“What is so unique about the Montclair Jazz Festival’s downtown takeover is that it represents the coming together of Jazz House Kids’ full mission to provide access, learning, career development and community building through the American artform of jazz,” said Melissa Walker, founder & president of Jazz House, in a press release received by WBGO. “Its treasured practitioners provide inspired mentorship for our emerging talent throughout the year and will create a joyous afternoon with incredible performances for thousands of fans.” Learn more at the festival’s website.
