Montclair, NJ – If you enjoyed the spectacular Soundcheck Series events this summer, get ready for things to heat up even more this Saturday when the Montclair Jazz Festival brings you an all-day Lackawanna Block Party!
This not-to-be-missed “mini-fest” starts at noon with large ensemble performances on the Lackawanna stage featuring 135 student musicians (from five states and three countries taking part in the JAZZ HOUSE Summer Workshop!) along with a Family Jazz Discovery Zone, and more than 30 food and unique artisan vendors. There’s also a Jazz Beverage Garden featuring our special Jazz Fest brew from Montclair Brewery and Pinot Project wines, and a Mingus Open Air Lounge for Friends of the Festival and Take 5 Supporters.
If you’ve never experienced the Family Jazz Discovery Zone, it’s a special place where kids and their families can gather to play, improvise, create, make new friends and share a passion for jazz.
Bring your pup, too, to this pet-friendly event and make a pet-friendly stop at the Humane Montclair tent on Greenwood Avenue tomorrow from 12-4pm, for some pet friendly treats, water, and shade. Give-aways, pet care information and climate friendly treats for pet owners as well!
As the sun sets, the stage shines with the area debut of the young trailblazing saxophonist Nicole Glover and her quartet followed by Winard Harper & Jeli Posse with its 9-piece band featuring tap dance, vocals, African percussion, high-energy swing and a positive message of unity.
Then, at 7 p.m., pack up your folding chair and make your way to the dance floor as Montclair gets its groove on for one of the largest street dance parties this town has ever seen. DJ Brother Mister, aka Christian McBride, Montclair Jazz Fest and Jazz House Kids artistic director and eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, takes over the stage spinning old school soul and funk favorites all night long — and playing along, embellishing the bass line like no one else can. Here’s the lineup — see you there!
Saturday, August 13 | 12:00 – 10:00 PM
@ Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
12:00 PM | Jazz House Ensembles
4:00 PM | Nicole Glover
5:30 PM | Winard Harper & Jeli Posse
7:00 PM | DJ Brother Mister Dance Party
Severe weather date: 8/14
