Montclair Jazz Festival Kicks Off Aug. 18

Two years ago, an inaugural Montclair Jazz Festival was organized, mostly as a way to celebrate the end of a summertime of classes at

Today, the event has blossomed into much more than that—a festival designed to draw adults, and not just kids, from throughout the region.

According to Nancy Klein at Jazz House Kids, about 50 community volunteers are needed to supplement the team at Jazz House Kids, which continues to oversee the popular event. (Please contact Jazz House Kids if you can volunteer on the day of the event!)

"This is the third annual event and this will be the most ambitious," she said.

Last year, the festival attracted about 1,000 people.

"And this one will be better than ever. We're bringing in a real stage, a baby grand piano, and we've hired a top-notch production company and festival managing director," Klein added. "We'll put Montclair officially on the map of jazz festivals."

This year's free Montclair Jazz Festival runs from noon to 7 p.m. at the 17-acre Nishuane Park and features the following acts: Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, Bronx Horns, Billy Drummond, Dave Stryker, Michele Rosewoman, Freddie Hendrix, Bruce Williams, Julius Tolentino, Steve Johns, Ted Chubb, Andy McKee, Mike Lee, Oscar Perez, Ed Palermo, Radam Schwartz, Lovett Hines, and Melissa Walker.

For more information go here.