nj arts maven: The 2023 Jersey City Jazz Festival is Here!

June 3-4 at Exchange Place helpful links

Getting there: We absolutely recommend public transportation!

Exchange Place PATH or Exchange Place Light Rail.

Entrance: The main entrance will be through Columbus Drive. Use 68 Columbus Dr. Jersey City, NJ 07302 for GPS.

Parking: We recommend any of the parking lots on Columbus and Greene St.

FAQ: Please visit www.JerseyCityJazzFestival.com for any additional questions.

VIP TIX: https://riverviewjazz.org/jersey-city-jazz-festival#vip

Thank you to our Sponsors!: https://riverviewjazz.org/jersey-city-jazz-festival#sponsors

2023 Jersey City Jazz Festival Schedule
Ticket reservations available for all shows by clicking on admission price.

Thursday, June 1, 8pm

JCJF Opening party w/ Típica 73 50th Anniversary

White Eagle Hall, $25/$40
337 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Legendary Salsa group at an amazing location. Get your dancing shoes and come on out!

T.K. Blue “Shades of Melba & Benny”, Nick Masters Trio

Brennan Courthouse 7pm, $25

583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306

T.K. Blue presents an incredible tribute to trombone masters Melba Liston and Benny Powell with his hard hitting ensemble . This all-star lineup features Craig Handy, T.K. Blue, Frank Lacy, Paul Beaudry, Brandon McCune, and Tommy Campbell. Opening is pianist Nick Masters with his Trio. Nick has been making a name for himself in the NYC straight-ahead scene performing often at venues such as Smalls.

Happy Hour with Kate Curran & Ron Affif Duo

The Junto 6-8pm, $25
68 Mercer Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Kate Curran is an emotive and soulful vocalist who is equally comfortable interpreting the great American Songbook in big band (Louis Prima Jr., Glenn Miller Orchestra) and small ensemble settings. Here she will be performing with one of NYC's most swinging and in-demand guitarists, Ron Affif.

Tony Malaby Turnpike Trio

Nucky’s 9pm & 11pm shows, $25
8 Erie St A, Jersey City, NJ 07302

One of the world's most creative improvisers, saxophonist Tony Malaby leads his Turnpike Trio for two nights of underground sounds. The Turnpike Trio, featuring bassist John Hebert and drummer Billy Mintz, was organically conceived during the pandemic and has continued performing its innovative repertoire. Tony now resides in Boston where he is a professor at Berklee School of Music. Do not miss this rare Jersey City performance by a one-of-a-kind ensemble. "My favorite living saxophonist"- Bryan Beninghove

Friday, June 2

Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly

The Statuary 7pm FREE (donation optional)

53 Congress Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307

Guitarist, vocalist, and storyteller Walter Parks is truly one of a kind. His Unlawful Assembly, co-led by drummer Steven Williams, performs a unique mix of spirituals and hymns with some mighty gritty guitar work. This is a rare appearance to hear this great group in Jersey City.

Winard Harper’s Jazz Tap Extravaganza feat. Jason Samuel Smith, AC Lincoln, & Megha Vadehra

Nimbus Arts Center 7pm, $25/35

329 Warren Street, Jersey City 07302

Legendary jazz drummer and local Jersey City arts elder statesman Winard Harper presents an incredible night of music and dance. Performing will be tap dance masters Jason Samuel Smith and AC Lincoln. Also presented is the exciting young star Megha Vadehra. Backing up the dancers will be the Jeli Posse, Harper's exciting ensemble of hard-swinging horns and percussion.

Tony Malaby Turnpike Trio

Nucky’s 9pm & 11pm shows, $25
8 Erie St A, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Moore’s Place: Jam Session 7pm Free
189 Monticello Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Every Friday and Sunday you can hear young up & comers jamming with NEA jazz masters at this local JC institution. Established and run by Winard Harper and friends - not to be missed. Come see what's happening!
Happy Hour with Lezlie Harrison
Canopy Hotel 5pm, Free

159 Morgan St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Vocalist Lezlie Harrison is a NYC icon. As a WBGO on-air host, thousands of people listen to her everyday. As a soulful vocalist, she can be heard performing all over the world. Her jazz pedigree was established years ago when she co-founded the Jazz Gallery with Roy Hargrove and Dale Fitzgerald. This dynamic storyteller is oozing with soul and is perhaps one of the most fun people you could ever hang out with.

Saturday June 3: Exchange Place Plaza
FREE ADMISSION

RWJ Barnabas Health Stage

Riverview Jazz All-Stars, Noon - Led by saxophonist and Riverview Jazz Director Bryan Beninghove, The Riverview Jazz All-Stars is a swinging collection of friends that spoons out the grits and gravy. Featuring organist Kyle Koehler, drummer Noel Sagerman, guitarist Matt Chertkoff, and special guests!
Emily Braden 2pm - Harlem-based vocalist Braden is a songwriter and lyricist who effortlessly blends jazz, soul and pop. Her voice, stage presence, and grooving band are must-see.
Record Riot Takeover w/ Nico and Bad Habits 4pm - Jersey City vinyl DJ cratediggers spinning an assortment of Latin grooves, soul nuggets and lo-fi jazz instrumentals.
Bill Frisell Trio 6pm - Legendary musician who changed the way a generation of guitarists play their instrument whose discography and influence are too vast to describe. This is a special treat for the Jersey City Jazz Festival and its attendees. He will be performing with his working trio of Rudy Royston and Thomas Morgan.

Exchange Place Pier Stage

Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band 4pm - This B3 organist and educator has been solidifying his reputation for over 30 years performing with the likes of Arthur Prysock, Lockjaw Davis, and many more. Here he presents his grooving and swinging big band for a special performance.
Sonido Solar feat. Eddie Palmieri 8pm - An all-star band of some of NYC's most in-demand Latin musicians will be performing a very special show for the Jersey City Jazz Festival where they will present Maestro Eddie Palmieri as their special guest. This music is as grooving as it is virtuosic. This is a very special show.

Ford’s Gin Row

Miki Yamanaka Trio 1pm - Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called NYC home for over a decade, where she has quickly established herself on the scene as one of the leading pianists and personalities. She can often be seen leading bands and accompanying at Smalls, Mezzrow, and many other NYC clubs.
Spike Wilner “Ancient Aliens” 3pm - Jazz veteran pianist and impresario Spike Wilner leads his Ancient Aliens trio featuring the great Anthony Pinciotti and Tyler Mitchell. This ensemble twists and turns on a dime while honoring the rich tradition of the classic piano trio.
Eric Wyatt Quartet feat. Jeff “Tain” Watts 5pm - Brooklyn-born Saxophonist Eric Wyatt leads his hard-charging quartet for a performance of originals and standards. The group features legendary drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. Buckle up!
Akiko Tsuruga Quartet 7pm - One of NYC's favorite organists, Akiko Tsuruga will lead a grooving quartet featuring drummer Byron Landhamtrumpeter Joe Magnarelli and one of Riverview Jazz's favorite people in the whole world - saxophonist Jerry Weldon.

Hyatt House After Hours

Charlie Sigler Jam Session 9:30pm Terrace - Jersey City-based guitarist Charlie Sigler is quickly becoming one of NYC's most in-demand musicians. Come see why and bring your axe!
FREE
Martin Kelley Affinity 10pm Rooftop - Saxophonist and keyboardist Martin Kelley leads the late-night groove on the rooftop with a collection of some of our favorite cats from Long Island City - Chris Cuzme, Christian Coleman, and Diallo House. FREE

Sunday June 4: Exchange Place Plaza
FREE ADMISSION

RWJ Barnabas Health Stage

Stephane Wrembel Django New Orleans 1pm - Stephane Wrembel is one of the finest guitarists in the world. His unique 9-piece Django New Orleans project has a new release out and recently sold-out NYC's famed Town Hall. This band is incredible and whole lot of fun - New Orleans mixed with Django Reinhardt - Yes!
Sugar Tone Brass Band 2:30 - Sugartone Brass Band is an original New York brass band that continues to break down musical barriers, flatten audiences, and blaze trails with the funkiest of new sounds. Join the party!
Nikara presents Black Wall Street 4:30 - Vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader Nikara Warren is a Brooklyn-based musician who is quickly making a name for herself in the music world. Hailing from music royalty (her grandfather is NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron), Nikara has an exciting project that the Jersey City Jazz Festival is thrilled to present. Her band Black Wall Street explores abstract sound-collage, hip-hop, jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Latino and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and more.

Pier Stage

Joshua Nelson: Gospel on the Pier Noon - "The Prince of kosher gospel". Joshua Nelson has an unmatched voice and stage presence that will send chills down anyone's spine. He can channel Mahalia Jackson and can also do it in Hebrew. This is one of the most unique and powerful performers you will ever see. Come kick off your Sunday on the pier for an unforgettable performance.
Doug Beavers Luna 5:30pm - Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, and bandleader Doug Beavers debuts his new project "Luna" for the Jersey City Jazz Festival. This original project is mash of funky styles, yet predominantly in the Latin Jazz lane. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to close out the festival with this exciting debut performance

Ford’s Gin Row

Jon Davis Trio 1:30pm - Veteran pianist Jon Davis has literally played with everyone in his illustrious career. This swinging pianist has performed with Joe Henderson, Jaco Pastorius, Stan Getz, and many more. Here he leads a trio with bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jay Sawyer.
Philip Harper “Phamily” Quintet 3:30pm - Trumpeter Philip Harper has been a leading voice in jazz for over 40 years. From 1986-1988 he was a member of the famed Jazz Messengers, before starting the popular Harper Brothers project with his brother Winard. Currently Philip spends his time between NYC and Europe. We are thrilled to have him in town for this special show.

After-party