One of Montclair’s most lively events is coming to its grand finale this weekend. Hosted by local nonprofit Jazz House Kids, the 2024 Montclair Jazz Festival kicked off on Thursday, May 16th, and has continued to be the soundtrack of Montclair all summer long. The months-long event is coming to a close soon, but not without a bang: the 2024 Downtown Jamboree is happening this Saturday, September 14th. With a history that dates back to 2010, Jazz House Kids has been hosting these events each year, and locals can’t get enough. Read on to learn more about the 2024 Montclair Jazz Festival and the upcoming Downtown Jamboree.
The Details
This year’s festival, hosted by Jazz House Kids, featured several jazz-themed events and live music performances from its initial kick-off in May. Some highlights included the Sound Check series, an Uptown Showcase at Montclair State, and an Outdoor Concert Series at The Wellmont Arts Plaza.
Read More: A Guide to Live Music Spots in Montclair + Essex County
The main event, the Downtown Jamboree, is happening on Saturday, September 14th. The family-friendly celebration will feature eight hours of live music on Bloomfield Avenue between Grove Street and Fullerton Avenue, food, and merchandise, among other things. The headliners for the Downtown Jamboree include Kenny Garrett, Lisa Fischer + Grand Baton, Steve Turre Sextet, JAZZ HOUSE Legacy, and the festival’s music director and curator, Christian McBride (who will perform with his Inside Straight quintet), among other musicians who will take the stage that day.
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About Jazz House Kids
Located at 347 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, Jazz House Kids is the only community arts organization in New Jersey exclusively dedicated to educating children through jazz. The organization aims to ensure that every student has access to music, education, mentoring, and apprenticeship. Jazz House Kids participate in over 80 performances each year, and are the founders of the Montclair Jazz Festival.
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