Morristown’s Jazz And Blues Festival: See The Lineup

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Jazz and Blues Festival is returning to Morristown, and visitors and residents alike are expected to have a blast in “12 bars.”

The annual event is returning to the Morristown Green on Aug. 16, from noon to 9:30 p.m. Those looking to visit the free event are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy some jazz and blues tunes.

Five performances are scheduled for the rain-or-shine event, all from talented musicians from across the country. Whether you like swing or bebop jazz, or delta or Chicago blues, there is something for everyone.

See the lineup for the festival below, along with some information on the acts:

Dani G and Friends, 12 to 1:30 p.m.

• Vocalist Dani G will be joined by Glenn Dinetz on keyboard, Tony Ventura on bass, and Broadway drummer Jeff Rizzo on percussion. Additionally, audiences can expect a special appearance from Grammy-nominated saxophonist John Michalak. Michalak has worked with the likes of Julio Iglesias, David Lee Roth, Gloria Estefan, and Ricky Martin, and is sure to give the festival the kick-off it deserves.

The Jazz Ambassadors, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

• The Jazz Ambassadors, also known as “America’s Big Band,” serve as the official touring band of the United States Army. The 19-piece ensemble has traveled all over the world, working with bands including the Boston Pops, the National Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and even the Cincinnati Pops at Carnegie Hall. Expect true Jazz classics from legends like Benny Goodman and Count Basie.

Blues People, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

• This relatively new band has already made its mark in the Blues scene, and then some. Featuring Kelvin Cooper singing lead and playing guitar, Ron Thompson on keyboard, Mike Griot on the bass, and Gene Lake on drums. The group has worked with legends like Kool and the Gang and Ms. Lauryn Hill. They’ve won the North Jersey Blues Society International Blues Challenge twice and are two-time semifinalists at the prestigious Memphis International Blues Challenge.

King Solomon Hicks, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Hicks, only 30, has established himself as a New York guitar prodigy. The young musician started out as a jazz guitarist before pursuing a blues career. He’s played alongside the likes of Tony Bennett, George Thorogood, Gregg Allman, Eric Gales, Elvin Bishop, and Jeff Beck. He’s been recognized as a rising star by several music publications and shows no signs of slowing down.

Samantha Fish, 8 to 9:30 p.m.

• Samantha Fish, only in her thirties, has established herself as one of the best living blues musicians in the world. The young guitarist has opened for The Rolling Stones. Additionally, she’s received several Blues Blast Awards, Blues Music Awards, Independent Blues Awards, Living Blues Awards and Offbeat’s Best of the Beat Awards. If you haven’t heard her name yet, you likely will soon.

Click here to learn more about Morristown's 2025 Jazz and Blues Festival.