Montclair Jazz Festival Saturday in Nishuane Park

Thousands of fans of jazz music are expected to descend on Nishuane Park Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., for the fourth annual Montclair Jazz Festival. 

The Montclair Jazz Festival is the brainchild of local jazz vocalist and recording artist Melissa Walker.

"It’s been exciting to see how in just a few short years, our festival has blossomed into one of New Jersey’s significant summer music events with more than 3,500 in attendance,” said Walker, president and founder of Jazz House Kids, which produces the event. 

“Montclair, known for its arts scene, now has a jazz festival to add to its cultural offerings," she said.

Performers include Jazz House Kids artist-in-residence Christian McBride with special guests Kenny Barron and Carl Allen; Anat Cohen & the Choro Ensemble; Freddie Hendrix Septet, Oscar Perez’s Nuevo Comienzo featuring Melissa Walker; and  Ed Palermo Big Band Does Zappa & More.  

Jazz House Kids large ensembles will perform alongside the professional musicians.

A new Family Jazz Discovery Zone — a collaboration between Jazz House Kids, the Montclair Public Library, and the Montclair Art Museum — will feature music-related story books read by festival musicians, as well as art activities and healthy eating demonstrations. The Family Jazz Discovery Zone is sponsored by Whole Foods.

Also new this year is the North Coast Brewing Co. Beer Garden.

The free event will be held rain or shine. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for sale.

Montclair Jazz Festival Concert Schedule

Noon              Louis Armstrong Big Band

12:15 p.m.      Big Band Ed

12:35 p.m.      Afro-Latin Jazz Big Band

1:00 p.m.        Jazz House Sax Ensemble

1:30 p.m.        Freddie Hendrix Septet

2:25 p.m.        Oscar Perez Nuevo Comienzo w/ special guest Melissa Walker

3:20 p.m.        Dynasty Big Band

3:55 p.m.        Anat Cohen & the Choro Ensemble

5:05 p.m.        Christian McBride w/ Kenny Barron & Carl Allen

6:20 p.m.        Jazz House Big Band

6:55 p.m.        Ed Palermo Big Band Does Zappa & More