(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The nationally recognized nonprofit arts organization JAZZ HOUSE KiDS announced the lineup for their 2024 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Soundcheck Series. Kicking off on Thursday, April 25th, the new bimonthly concert program takes place at the JAZZ HOUSE in Montclair, NJ. The Soundcheck Series will lead up to the JAZZ HOUSE KiDS-produced 15th Annual MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Downtown Jamboree taking place on September 14th.
“The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL’S new Soundcheck Series is an exciting adventure in musical discovery for audiences as it features the region's top performers on the scene today as headliners, alongside emerging musicians bursting with talent as concert openers, followed by a closing jam session where musical sparks will fly,” said Melissa Walker, Founder + President of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and the brainchild of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST.
Headliners for the Soundcheck Series include trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, tap dancer Michela Lerman Marino, Latin jazz trombonist Juanga Lakunza, drummer Winard Harper, and many more. JAZZ HOUSE emerging musicians will open each show, and the events are followed by a two-hour jam session where all musicians are welcome.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show, and $10 for JAZZ HOUSE students. Doors open at 6:30pm with the opening act at 7:00PM, the headlining act at 7:30pm, followed by the open jam until 10:30pm. JAZZ HOUSE is located at 347 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Now in its third decade, the nationally recognized JAZZ HOUSE KiDS transforms lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. Recently featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and celebrated by global superstar STING, the organization and students have received more than 150 awards and honors for excellence in jazz and jazz education.
The JAZZ HOUSE has two locations: its headquarters in Montclair, NJ and a new satellite program in New York City in collaboration with Trinity Church Wall Street. Every day of the week through a series of in-school programs in New Jersey and out-of-school programs in Montclair and Lower Manhattan, JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge, fostering community leaders and global citizens who help build thriving communities. JAZZ HOUSE produces 150+ free public concerts per year to audiences close to 150,000, including the organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program, the award-winning MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, the largest free jazz festival in the NYC area, attracting 25,000+ attendees to downtown Montclair each year.
2024 Soundcheck Series dates:
April 25: Freddie Hendrix Quartet (with Caili O'Doherty Ambassadors)
May 16: Michela Lerman Marino Tap Jam (with Mike Lee Ambassadors)
May 30: Juanga Lakunza Quartet (with Jason Marshall Ambassadors)
June 13: Winard Harper & Jeli Posse (with Radam Schwartz Ambassadors)
June 27: Eric Alexander Quartet (with Eric Alexander Ambassadors)
July 25: Wallace Roney Jr. (with Jacquie Lee Band)
