Montclair Jazz Festival Announces 2016 Lineup: Free Event Returns

Montclair, NJ – One of Montclair’s favorite music festivals is back with a new lineup for 2016.

The Montclair Jazz Festival announced its 2016 lineup and show schedule on Monday. The free, public festival – now in its seventh year – is slated for Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 9 a.m. in Nishuane Park.

This year’s attendees will include Artistic Director and bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride, Mistress of Ceremonies actor S. Epatha Merkerson, and WBGO's Gary Walker.

Performers will include:

• The Dee Dee Bridgewater Quintet
• A Christian McBride Situation
• George Coleman Organ Quartet
• Louis Prima, Jr.
• The Jazz House Faculty Collective directed by Ed Palermo (celebrating the music of David Bowie and Prince)
• Michele Rosewoman and New Yor-Uba
• Award-winning Jazz House Kids student ensembles and vocal groups

For 2016, the festival has expanded its Family Jazz Discovery Zone, a collaboration among Jazz House Kids and partners Montclair Public Library and Montclair Art Museum. Organizers stated that the "Zone" will feature additional healthy family food vendors, music-related story books read by festival headliners, live music from the youngest Jazz House Summer Workshop students and a host of kid-friendly art activities for wee-boppers and their parents.

Also returning to the festival is the Beer Garden sponsored by North Coast Brewing Co., which donates 100 percent of the proceeds to support Jazz House Kids Music and Education Fund, which raises much needed funds to close the gap in access to music education in schools and communities across New Jersey.

To volunteer, become a vendor, or for more information, visit the website and the Montclair Jazz Festival Facebook page, email or call 973-744-2273.

Sign up for Patch NJ email newsletters here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Montclair Jazz Festival