The third annual Montco Jazz Fest will feature dozens of concerts, brunches, workshops, and other community-focused events in September.
“Our annual Montco Jazz Fest is a one-of-a-kind offering that truly highlights Montgomery County as an arts tourism destination,” said Rachel Riley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We are thrilled to have the incredible Joanna Pascale return this year to curate a noteworthy series of events, which will truly elevate Montgomery County as a prime location for jazz and music lovers across the region.”
Local locations and event dates include:
- Thursday, September 19: Abington Arts Center in Jenkintown
- Friday, September 20: The Keswick Theatre, The CO Lab and Moody Jones Gallery of Glenside
- Saturday, September 20: Human Robot of Jenkintown
More information about each can be found in the lineup below:
The 2024 Montco Jazz Festival Line-Up (Artists and events are subject to change)
Women in Jazz Sunday Vocal Series
North Italia, 305 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia
11am-2pm (no cover)
9/1: Venissa Santi
9/8: Najwa Parkins
9/15: Sharon Sable
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
Festival Kickoff, featuring Josh Lee & the Family
Honoring WRTI DJ Bob Perkins
Temple University Ambler Campus, 580 Meetinghouse Rd, Ambler
6pm-9pm (no cover)
Join us for a celebration on September 19, when Temple University will honor former WRTI DJ Bob Perkins with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Perkins will be joined by Josh Lee and the Extended Family, a Philadelphia-based ensemble composed of Temple alums that authentically celebrates the music and the dance of the swing era. Composed of the brightest young musicians in the city, the Extended Family strives to further the 100-year tradition of big band music while honoring its pioneers—Moten, Basie, Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson to name a few. Josh Lee is a Grammy winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, as well as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra and faculty at Temple and Villanova Universities.They recorded their debut album “Introducing Josh Lee and the Extended Family” in summer of 2024 and will soon be released.
An Evening with the Mike Lorenz Trio: Exploring the History of Jazz Guitar
Abington Arts Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown
6:30pm cocktails/7:30pm show ($25 at the door)
Putty Dance Project
King of Prussia Town Center, 200 Main St, King of Prussia
The masterful married duo, Lauren Putty White and Brent White, blend their expertise in their respective fields to continue creating meaningful narratives through the lens of Free Jazz and dance improvisation.
5pm-7pm (no cover)
Vocalist Calli Graver
Stave & Stable, 232 King St, Pottstown
“Jazz-flex” vocalist Calli Graver is lighting up the room on stages both in and outside of her home-base, Philadelphia. She has performed with prominent jazz figures since graduating, including Christian McBride, Peter Nero, and co-produced an original jazz suite entitled “The Divine Lorraine.” Calli’s newest album, “The Sun’s in My Eyes” produced by Ben O’Neil (John Legend, Jill Scott) was released September of 2022 to critical acclaim.
6pm-9pm (no cover)
Chris Marsceill Trio
Eddie V’s, 670 W DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
6:30pm-9:30pm (no cover)
Greg Farnese
Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
Greg Farnese is a modern-day throwback vocalist. He reignites the treasured and timeless classics from The Great American Songbook and blends them with his unique interpretations of modern-day favorites. A consummate performer, his soulful tone and inspired phrasing have produced a wide fan base of musicians and music lovers.
7:30pm ($15 cover)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th
Latin Jazz Social
Berman Museum, 601 E Main St, Collegeville
Celebrate Montgomery County Jazz Fest with Latin Jazz by the Artists and Musicians from Latin America (AMLA). Lace up your dance shoes and head over to the Berman Lawn for a great night of dancing, delicious food, and live music. This year, the Museum is celebrating with the infectious beats of Esperanza’s Artists and Musicians from Latin America (AMLA). Enjoy extended museum hours as part of the evening’s festivities, and see the work of Mexican photographer Enrique Bostelmann on view at the Berman Museum of Art. And of course, what’s a party without good food? Philly-based artist Eugenio Salas will combine performance art and sizzling snacks at his Communal Griddle. Tables and chairs will be set up for spectators, plus there will be a Latin dance.
7:30pm (free)
Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra
Keswick Theatre, 291 N Keswick Ave, Glenside
Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos is a Cuban trombonist, singer, composer, arranger and musical director. He is known as the composer, arranger and trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club. He has also served long stints in world class ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban All Stars. His past musical journey and history is brought into focus throughout the critically acclaimed 1999 documentary “Buena Vista Social Club” and the 2017 follow up “Buena Vista Social Club: Adios.”
8pm (doors 7pm)
Tickets at www.keswicktheatre.com
Harvest Groove Band
Moody Jones Gallery, 107B Easton Rd, Glenside
Harvest Groove Band is led by bassist and composer David Jamison. HGB plays throughout the area, most recently at the Cheltenham Juneteenth Festival and at The Royal, rocking a packed house for the Lover’s Lane Valentine’s Day show.
6pm-7:30pm (no cover)
Greg Moore and Actual Proof featuring Geri Oliver
Rivet:Canteen and Assembly, 238 E High St, Pottstown
Greg Moore has been playing congas for over 30 years with such artists as Teddy Pendergrass, Blue Magic, And bassist Charles Frambrough. In 2004, Greg formed Actual Proof and has performed all over the tri-state area. Actual Proof plays the best of Jazz and beyond, giving audiences an experience they will not forget.
7pm (Tickets-$10 advance/$12 at door)
Tickets at www.visitrivet.com
Victor North Quartet plays the music of John Coltrane
The Cigar Republic, 126 Fayette St, Conshohocken
8pm-11pm ($15 Cover)
Wendy Simon
Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
Wendy Simon is a jazz singer who possesses a unique combination of talents – the abilities to bend a melody, improvise on a harmony, and at the same time, keep a rhythmical sense that makes you want to pat your foot. Her vocals share the passion and phrasings of Ella And Carmen, with a taste of modern soul. Her adventurous, innovative and exciting approach is a sure crowd-pleaser.
7:30pm ($15 cover)
V. Shayne Frederick Trio
Eddie V’s, 670 W DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
6:30pm-10:30pm (no cover)
3 for the Road
The CO Lab, 107A E. Glenside Ave, Glenside
Join local organ jazz trio, 3 for the Road, for an evening of live jazz standards and soul. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pm (Tickets available on website $20)
Tickets at www.thecolabglenside.com/events
DJ Jazz Set
Troubles End Brewing, 50 W Third Ave, Collegeville
7pm-10pm
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
Junior Jazz
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown
12pm-3pm
Alex Bartlett Trio
Human Robot, 208-210 York Rd, Jenkintown
12pm-3pm (no cover)
An Evening with Joanna Pascale
Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Ave, King of Prussia
Lyric is paramount for internationally touring vocalist Joanna Pascale, who insists that she cannot perform a song unless she can connect personally with its lyrics. Once she’s found that connection, there’s no one who can better convey the emotion of those words more directly and intimately than Pascale. A singer of sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness and raw emotion, Pascale is also a gifted educator who is a member of the vocal faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s been featured on recordings by Jeremy Pelt, Tim Warfield, Orrin Evans, Larry McKenna, the Temple University Jazz Band and Garry Dial and Dick Oatts. Joanna currently serves as Artistic Director of the Montco Jazz Festival.
8pm ($20 cover)
Harvesting Your Creativity with singer/songwriter Michelle Lordi and author Chandra Hoffman
Bryn Athyn College, 2945 College Dr, Bryn Athyn
This afternoon of artistic immersion is guided by writer Chandra Hoffman and vocalist and songwriter Michelle Lordi. The workshop followed by a fall farm-to-table feast and an evening of inspiring musical performance by Michelle Lordi.
2pm-5pm Workshop, 5:30pm Dinner, 7pm Michelle Lordi Concert
(Workshop/dinner/concert experience-$150; Concert Only-$25)
Channel Collective
Sizzle, 259 E High St, Pottstown
Channel Collective is an ever-changing lineup of musicians led by multi-instrumentalist Jon Thompson and drummer Justin Leigh. Their vision is to capture the beauty of the unexpected in the spontaneous recording of improvised and composed music. Channel Collective is about connections and untold stories through sonic explorations and dialogues.
7pm-10pm
Kevin Valentine
Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
Possessing an easy, effortless style that swings, Kevin’s treatment of standards conveys an understanding of the culmination of melody, rhythm and lyric.
7:30pm ($15 cover)
King Jazz featuring vocalist Cindy King
Daniel’s Restaurant and Bar, 16 E. First Ave, Conshohocken
6pm-8:30pm (no cover)
RaiSan Sings Trio
Eddie V’s, 670 W DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
6:30pm-10:30pm (no cover)
A Day at the Boardwalk featuring The Charly Salinger Swing Trio
Pottstown Carousel & The Cab Stand, 80 S Charlotte St, Pottstown, PA
5pm-9pm
Tickets are $35 adults, $15 kids (includes food and live music)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd
Women in Jazz Party hosted by Key of She
Hotel Main & West, 46 Fayette St, Conshohocken
Key of She Jazz, an organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond, hosts this free event celebrating female jazz artists. Festivities include:
- Deborah Smith Quartet, 1pm-2pm: Trombonist, Deborah Smith hails from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Deborah has graced stages from Philadelphia to New York. Her versatility shines through her roles in ensembles like the Grace Fox Big Band, and her leadership of the Deborah Smith Septet and Deborah Smith Quartet. Recognized with the Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Award in 2023, she remains dedicated to inspiring others through her boundless love for music.
- The Olivia Hughart Group, 2:30pm-3:30pm: Olivia Hughart is a jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, advocate, and a recent graduate from New York University, with a major in Jazz Studies with a minor in Public Policy and Management. She is the founder and artistic director of Key of She. Hughart is a member of the NYChillharmonic, the Grace Fox Big Band, and the Andrew Neu Big Band, has subbed for Triad Brass, New Heights Brass Band and DIVA Jazz Orchestra. Hughart is a Presser Scholar, 2023 JEN Mary Jo Papich Women in Jazz Scholarship winner, 2020 Bruce Montgomery Foundation Springboard Grant Winner, and 2020 Pennsylvania Project Stream Grant winner.
- Swing Dance Lesson, 4pm-5pm
- Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band, 5pm-7pm: Chelsea Reed is a jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, and bandleader living in Philadelphia. With a penchant for 20th-century swing and blues music, Reed founded Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Band in October 2012. They have gone on to record four albums and tour around the world playing for swing and blues dancers. They’ve shared the stage and recorded with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who is featured on their 2017 release Spreadin’ Rhythm Around. Their most recent album, Carolina Lullaby (2020), showcases original songs steeped in jazz, blues, and folk traditions where Reed’s vocals and swing musicality shine. Reed currently teaches jazz history and performance at Temple University.
Tony Miceli & Elijah Cole Quartet
King of Prussia Mall, 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia
Internationally renowned jazz vibraphonist Tony Miceli has established himself as one of the primary voices on the mallet instrument, winning hearts and minds wherever he plays. A sought-after recording artist, Miceli is an inspired educator who delivers vibraphone master classes the world over. He is currently on faculty at Temple University, University of Southern Mississippi, the California Jazz Conservatory, Settlement Music School, and was on faculty at the now closed University of the Arts. At All About Jazz, Victor Schermer describes him as: “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.” Elijah Cole is one of the most in-demand guitarists in Philadelphia. Noted for his versatility, he comfortably moves between Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Folk, Pop and Rock, bringing his highly original voice to any musical scenario he finds himself in. He has performed at venues such as the Kimmel Center, Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, The Newport Jazz Festival, The MAD Jazz Festival, and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. 11am-2pm (No Cover)
Community Music School Celebrates: Jazz Legends
Community Music School, 775 W Main St, Trappe, PA
Join CMS for an afternoon of legendary music as CMS faculty celebrate Jazz legends. This event is a tribute to the musicians and artists who, with their unique talents, have shaped Jazz into the iconic American music genre it is today. Guests will immerse themselves in the musical improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and polyphonic ensemble playing that are the essence of Jazz, as you listen to legendary standards. 3pm (free)
Kevin Hanson Trio
J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company, 227 E High St, Pottstown
Guitarist, composer, and educator Kevin Hanson has enjoyed a career as a musician in an array of musical circles. As a touring and recording artist in the rock, jazz, RnB, and classical styles, he has delved deeply into an abundance of music and shared it with audiences the world over. His professional engagements include performances and recordings with The Roots, Jay.Z, Usher, Jill Scott, Huffamoose, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, and many more. He is an active songwriter and session guitarist who produces for his own band, The Fractals, and collaborates with countless artists.
11am-2pm (no cover)
Jazz Guitarist Dan Hanrahan
Southern Cross Kitchen, 8 E. 1st Ave, Conshohocken
1am-2pm (no cover)
Lou Lanza Trio
Eddie V’s, 670 W DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
6pm-9pm (no cover)
DJ Jazz Set
Troubles End Brewing, 50 W Third Ave, Collegeville
11am-2pm (no cover)
Additional Events
In addition to the Fest, Valley Forge Tourism is pleased to announce the Sunday Singer Series, which will take place at North Italia located at King of Prussia Mall (350 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia). These special concerts will feature artists showcasing their one-of-a-kind vocal talents for diners at North Italia on September 1, 8, and 15, 2024.
More Information
For more information and the most up-to-date listing of events, visit this link.
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.