(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The nationally-recognized nonprofit organization JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has announced the full lineup of the Montclair Jazz Fest 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
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, 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
Thursday, June 12 | 5:30pm-8:30pm | MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series. Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra; JAZZ HOUSE Big Band; Radam Schwartz Big Band
Wednesday, June 25 | 7:00pm-10:00pm | DJ Logic & Friends featuring Cyro Baptista, Billy Martin, Brian Marsella & Jason Fraticelli
Wednesday, July 9 | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Grateful For Biggie: A Fusion of The Notorious B.I.G. & Grateful Dead
Wednesday, July 30 | 7:00pm-9:30pm | MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series. New Jazz Underground
Thursday, August 7 | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Glass Houses - The Billy Joel Concert Experience w/ All Fired Up - The Pat Benatar Experience
Saturday, August 16 | 10:00am-3:00pm | MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Summer Explosion featuring 150 + students from the JAZZ HOUSE Summer Workshop
Wednesday, August 20 | 7:00pm-9:30pm | MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series. Pedrito Martínez
Now in its third decade, 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 CBS Mornings, The Kelly Clarkson Show and celebrated by global superstar STING, the organization and students have received more than 170 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 Lower Manhattan in collaboration with and fully-funded by Trinity Church NYC. The foundation of the JAZZ HOUSE is our tremendous faculty who are full-time practitioners and educators. Every day of the week through a series of in-school programs and out-of-school programs in New Jersey and New York City, 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 250,000 including the organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program, the award-winning MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, the brainchild of Melissa Walker and Christian McBride and the largest free jazz festival in the region, attracting 26,000 attendees each year.
The historic Wellmont Theater is New Jersey's premier live entertainment venue located in the heart of Montclair. The Wellmont Theater opened in 1922 for live entertainment, switching to a movie theater in 1929. In 2008, the theater completed a major renovation and became a music venue once again – hosting memorable shows ever since. An anchor of the town’s arts and entertainment district, The Wellmont hosts a wide variety of concerts, comedy shows, film festival events and much more. With facilities suited for both general admission and reserved seating shows, the venue’s show schedule runs the gamut and boasts national acts including everyone from Regina Spektor and Ice Spice to Pete Davidson and The Wiggles.
In recent years, the innovative Wellmont Arts Plaza has become a part of the Wellmont Theater experience – a pedestrian plaza serving as a community hub for live entertainment, community events and casual gathering. Tickets for all Wellmont Theater shows can be purchased in person or over the phone at the in-person Box Office, open 12:00pm-5:00pm Mon-Fri (with extended hours on event nights) and starting 1:00pm on Saturday/Sunday (event nights only).
The New Jersey Hall of Fame celebrates the state’s most distinguished citizens—individuals whose achievements have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire others across New Jersey and beyond. Since its first induction in 2008, the Hall has honored over 230 leaders across public service, music, arts and entertainment, sports, business, and science. These trailblazers embody the bold and resilient spirit of the Garden State.
As a foundation, the Hall is committed to education, civic engagement, and the power of inspiration. Its outreach programs and statewide partnerships help nurture the next generation of New Jersey greats. In June 2024, the Hall opened its 10,000-square-foot permanent home at American Dream in East Rutherford. This vibrant destination features immersive exhibits where guests can sing karaoke with NJ legends, host a talk show, or journey to space—bringing the stories of New Jersey’s most impactful figures to life in exciting, hands-on ways. Everyday Heroes at the New Jersey Hall of Fame honors individuals who make a lasting difference in their communities—educators, healthcare workers, first responders, volunteers, and neighbors whose efforts often go unrecognized.
Created to spotlight these quiet acts of heroism, the initiative accepts nominations from across the state, and honorees are permanently featured at the Hall’s American Dream exhibit. Through this powerful showcase, Everyday Heroes reminds visitors that greatness isn’t only about fame—it’s also about compassion, service, and the meaningful ways we support one another.
