ArtsWestchester's Jazz Fest Returns to White Plains This September

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (August 10, 2016) – ArtsWestchester is pleased to announce the return of White Plains Jazz Fest, celebrating its 5th season. The festival, which kicks off on September 20, is a collaboration between ArtsWestchester, The City of White Plains and the White Plains BID to spotlight top jazz musicians in Westchester County.

"This festival is growing bigger and better than ever," said Mayor Thomas Roach. "It has become a White Plains tradition."

Taking place Tuesday, September 20 through Sunday, September 25, the festival lineup includes established jazz and blues musicians, emerging artists and a tasty array of dining opportunities that promise a great cultural experience for everyone from jazz enthusiasts to families and casual listeners.

“You won’t find a greater mix of jazz and blues musicians and bands in Westchester County than those featured in the Fifth Annual Jazz Fest program coming to White Plains this September,” says Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “This year, our six-day festival continues its tradition of featuring a range of international styles by spotlighting African Jazz among others in our lineup. With more than 15 live music events, there’s something for everyone in Jazz Fest 2016.”

This year’s featured groups include: the Gary Smulyan Organ Quartet (Sept. 23), SOURCE International African Jazz Band (Sept. 24), Baby Soda, Bob Baldwin, Myra Casales, Joe Boykin & Friends with headliner Awa Sangho (Sept. 25).

The concerts are either free or affordably priced and the venues are conveniently located throughout White Plains and accessible by public transportation.

“The White Plains BID is proud to partner with ArtsWestchester and the City of White Plains to present a week of exceptional jazz music in our downtown,” said Kevin Nunn, Executive Director of the White Plains BID. “We expect to draw jazz enthusiasts from all over the tri-state region to this six-day festival. No doubt, many who do come will find exceptional dining options in our downtown restaurants and at our free outdoor music and food festival on Sunday, September 25. There are four major hotel brands in the downtown so we can easily accommodate those who would like to stay for the entire event. We hope to see everyone there.”

Commissioner of White Plains Recreation and Parks Wayne Bass said that the festival is developing a reputation among jazz connoisseurs.

“White Plains Jazz fest is becoming recognized as one of the best Jazz Festivals in the tri-state area,’’ he said. “Great venues, amazing performances and creative, diverse programming are our trademark. This year we feature African, Latin, Swing, Straight Ahead and Smooth Jazz performances. This is a festival that has something for everyone.”

The 2016 White Plains Jazz Fest events include:

Tuesday, September 20

12:00 p.m. at Gaucho Grill, 1 North Broadway, White Plains

Mark Morganelli will help open the festival with a taste of Brazilian jazz, with Vic Juris, guitar and Nilson Matta, bass.

Wednesday, September 21

12:00 p.m. at 33 Church St, White Plains


Downtown Music at Grace Church presents Music Conservatory of Westchester Jazz Faculty Ensemble in A Tribute to Michael Brecker. Enjoy The Westchester Conservatory of Music Jazz Faculty Quartet playing music composed by jazz saxophone legend and innovator Michael Brecker, a long-time resident of Hastings-on-Hudson. The performance will feature: Rale Micic, guitar; Nicholas Biello, saxophone; John Lang, bass and Jake Robinson, drums. Admission is free.


Music in three other venues throughout the evening:

Downtown White Plains Jazz Stroll

· Jazz at Gaucho Grill with Jazmyn – 6:00 p.m. at 1 North Broadway, White Plains.

· Copper Face Jacks, with the Kenny Lee All Stars – 7:30 p.m. at 166B Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains.

· Blues Jam at Ron Blacks Beer Hall, hosted by acclaimed guitarist, Gil Parris – 9:00 p.m. at 181 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains.

Admission is free at all venues, but tips to musicians and patronage at all venues is encouraged.

Thursday, September 22

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 216 Central Ave, White Plains


The Westchester Conservatory of Music Jazz Faculty Quartet will be hosting a Jazz Workshop and Jam at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, Stadther Recital Hall, bringing jazz education to the Jazz Fest lineup. A workshop in jazz and improvisation will be presented, followed by a jam session for any interested players. Admission is free.

Friday, September 23

8:00 p.m. at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains

The Gary Smulyan Organ Quartet will pull out all the stops at ArtsWestchester. Multi-award winning baritone saxophone master delivers a soulful jazz sound with Mike Ledonne, Hammond B3 Organ, Peter Bernstein, guitar and Joe Farnsworth, drums. General Admission: $25, ArtsWestchester members: $20, Shop White Plains Card holder and WPPAC LOUIS-and-ELLA! ticket holders (Walk-ins only): $20.

Saturday, September 24

7:00 p.m. at 1 City Place, White Plains

White Plans Performing Arts Center presents LOUIS-and-ELLA! by Trent Armand Kendall. A musical tribute in concert to the great icons of Jazz, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Featuring Trent Armand Kendall and Natasha Yvette Williams in the title roles. Admission: $29 ($25 for ArtsWestchester and WPBID members) at the WPPAC box office.

8:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains

ArtsWestchester presents Source International African Jazz Band: a Global Sound in Jazz. Jazz returns to its roots with a vibrant and danceable mix of music of Guinea and Mali with a jazz inflection. Featuring Sylvain Leroux, tambin (fula flute) and sax and Abdoulaye Diabate, guitar and vocal. General Admission: $25, ArtsWestchester members: $20, Shop White Plains Card holder: $20, WPPAC LOUIS-and-ELLA ticket holders (2nd set only): $10.

Sunday, September 25

12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Downtown White Plains

White Plains Jazz & Food Festival:

The culminating day of Jazz Fest brings five sets of music spanning the range of the evolution of jazz from traditional Dixieland and swing to blues, Latin, smooth and African Jazz to the largest audience of the festival in an open air celebration of music and international foods in downtown White Plains. Admission is free.

Sunday Artist Line-up:

Baby Soda – Baby Soda is an adaptable and ever changing group with an eclectic set of influences ranging from 1930’s era swing and New Orleans jazz to early gospel and blues. The band has performed at some of New York’s finest venues, breathing the spirit and joy of the music into the present.

Joe Boykin & Friends – Greenburgh’s own vocal favorite, Joe Boykin interprets classic vocal blues and jazz in his own unique deep baritone style, with James Farley, keyboard; Curtis Smithson, guitar; Butch Holland, bass; Art Bennett, Alto Sax and Flute; and Curt Jackson, drums.

Mayra Casales – LP Artist, Cuban born percussionist has worked with top performers in both the Latin and jazz fields. Casales has founded both an all women’s salsa orchestra and performs with a Latin jazz ensemble.

Bob Baldwin & Friends – Smooth Jazz Jazz Fest favorite and Mount Vernon native son presents his own blend of smooth jazz blend with Brazilian percussion and funk overtones.

Awa Sangho – The “Golden Voice of Mali” brings the sound of the Sahara to Jazz Fest. Raised near Timbuktu, Awa is a veteran of the acclaimed Ensemble Koteba in the Ivory Coast who now lends her powerful voice from the heart of the musical traditions of Mali to a blend of African, Brazilian and jazz influences.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://artswestchester.org/jazz-fest

About ArtsWestchester

For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.