Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series: Free Outdoor Concerts

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Jazz House Kids. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Montclair-based nonprofit Jazz House Kids recently announced the full lineup of the Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series in June, July and August, as part of the 2nd annual Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series featuring 10 free summer concerts.

Presented in collaboration with Wellmont Theater, and New Jersey Hall of Fame, the free, all-ages Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series kicked off in Wellmont Arts Plaza on June 1 with Jazz House top student ensembles, and will continue in June, July and August with Big Band Night (June 12), the genre blurring jazz trio New Jazz Underground (July 30) and acclaimed Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martínez (August 20). Previously announced Wellmont Arts Plaza concert highlights include DJ Logic & Friends (June 25) and Grateful for Biggie (July 9). Located right outside of The Wellmont Theater, the new Wellmont Arts Plaza has hosted numerous live events on its built-in stage since its completion. Attendees can enjoy unforgettable nights of entertainment right in the heart of Montclair. Shows are entirely free and do not require any prior registration, more information on each event can be found here.

"The Wellmont Theater and NJ Hall of Fame are thrilled to partner with Jazz House Kids for their Soundcheck Series & The Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series. Jazz House has long been a cornerstone of our local music and arts community, fostering the next generation of talented musicians and enriching our cultural landscape. We are proud to support their mission and look forward to many more years of collaboration." – David Genova, Owner, Wellmont Theater

“This summer, our collaboration at Wellmont Arts Plaza embarks on an exhilarating journey of musical discovery, celebrating a diverse array of genres alongside our MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series. Featuring powerhouse headliners like New Jazz Underground and Pedrito Martinez, the series highlights some of the most dynamic voices shaping today’s jazz scene. In a time of uncertainty for arts support, we remain steadfast in our mission — championing the next generation of young musicians. Throughout the festival season, our exceptionally talented JAZZ HOUSE students will take the stage, ensuring that the future of jazz remains vibrant and strong. And as always, we know our cherished, arts-loving community will be there to uplift and celebrate with us.” – Melissa Walker, Founder + President of Jazz House Kids and the brainchild of the Montclair Jazz Fest

Looking Ahead: Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree + Block Party

The summer-long series culminates on September 13 with the annual Montclair Jazz Festival Grand Finale, the Downtown Jamboree and Block Party, produced by Jazz House Kids. Now in its 16th year, the Montclair Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival in the greater NYC region welcoming 26,000 music fans to Montclair.

Initial headliner announcements include saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin with a meld of jazz, R&B and funk, powerhouse vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, and Christian McBride & Ursa Major, the 9-time GRAMMY winner’s bold multi-generational quintet. McBride is Jazz House Artistic Director and Curator of the Montclair Jazz Fest.

Back by popular demand, the Montclair Jazz Festival will feature a giant Block Party as DJ Brother Mister (AKA Christian McBride) and special guest DJs as they take over the September main stage for a dynamic funk & soul dance party.

The current calendar is below with more announcements soon to be revealed.

Celebrated Newark, New Jersey native, centennial artist and face of the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival is revered saxophonist James Moody, who is depicted in the festival artwork by visual artist in residence Andres Chaparro. In 2011, his wife Linda Moody founded the James Moody Scholarship in memory of her late husband. Partnered with Jazz House Kids, this award provides a $10,000 scholarship for an outstanding graduating senior heading to college who embodies the qualities that NEA Jazz Master expressed throughout his life and music – musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

Jazz House Kids has launched an “All Access Pass” Membership Program for individuals and local businesses with special benefits during the festival and all year long to Jazz House events including great perks at the 2025 Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series concerts this summer in Wellmont Arts Plaza and the Downtown Jamboree and Block Party in September. For more information, visit www.montclairjazzfestival.org.

Wellmont Arts Plaza Takeover: Outdoor Concert Series Schedule

Saturday, June 7 | 12:00-4:00 PM

• Montclair Jamfest with Waterbury Road

Thursday, June 12 | 5:30-8:30 PM

• Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series
• Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra
• JAZZ HOUSE Big Band
• Radam Schwartz Big Band

Wednesday, June 25 | 7:00-10:00 PM

• DJ Logic & Friends, featuring Cyro Baptista, Billy Martin, Brian Marsella & Jason Fraticelli

Wednesday, July 9 | 7:00-10:00 PM

• Grateful For Biggie: A Fusion of The Notorious B.I.G. & Grateful Dead

Wednesday, July 30 | 7:00-9:30 PM

• Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series
• New Jazz Underground

Thursday, August 7 | 7:00-10:00 PM

• Glass Houses - The Billy Joel Concert Experience, w/ All Fired Up - The Pat Benatar Experience

Saturday, August 16 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

• Montclair Jazz Fest Summer Explosion, Featuring 150 + students from the Jazz House Summer Workshop

Wednesday, August 20 | 7:00-9:30 PM

• Montclair Jazz Fest Soundcheck Series
• Pedrito Martínez

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