NICOLE HENRY, SENEGAL APOSTOLO & JOHN MARQUIS

Esther Mae Armbrister Park welcomes the Nicole Henry Quintet, the Senegal Apostolo Trio and the John Marquis Trio for an evening of jazz celebrating Jazzin’ The Grove Spring Swing! The event is ree and open to the public. Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers for a fantastic evening of live jazz.

World class vocalist Nicole Henry’s versatile and emotionally driven performances have captivated audiences in twenty countries.  She has ensconced herself in the jazz ranks of acclaimed interpreters as she tours with her quartet or performing with orchestras and big bands. Her repertoire comes from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and originals. Her numerous accolades include Traditional Jazz Performance, Best New Jazz Artist, and Best Solo Musician from Soul Train, HMV Japan Awards and Miami New Times, respectively. She was hailed as One of Eight Black Artists Making Waves in 2024 by Symphonic Distribution and BroadwayWorld Miami named her Vocalist of the Decade. 

Double bassist Senegal Apostolo is a Miami-based professional musician, bassist, and educator, known for his work with JazzSLAM, and has been featured in performances with the FIU Music Hour. A graduate of the FIU School of Music, he performs in jazz ensembles and provides music programming for children. He co-founded Miami-based music academy, Sol Music Studios, and conducts interactive musical programs for young children. His discography can be found on SoundCloud, Boomplay and Instagram.

Pianist John Marquis began playing at an early age and has been playing through his high school matriculation. Along with his bandmates, bassist Gavin Jules and drummer Dwayne James, they are soon to be graduating seniors from the renowned performing and visual arts Dillard Center for the Arts located within Dillard 6-12 Magnet School, located in Fort Lauderdale. To be accepted into the program each student had to audition and undergo a rigorous years of training that has prepared them for a career in the arts.

Cover: FREE

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MELTON MUSTAFA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to Florida Memorial University for an unforgettable music alumni homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson.

Artists:
Jesse Jones Jr. ~ Saxophone
Mark Strowbridge ~ Guitar
James Cotman ~ Drums
Leon “Foster” Thomas ~ Steel Pan
Doug Carter ~ Piano
Nicole Yarling ~ Violin, Vocal

The FMU Funk Jazz AllStars:
Wildmayer Marcelin ~ Saxophone
Mark McClary ~ Drums
Raignor Rollocks ~ Piano
Jaquan Hunter ~ Bass
Joel Chinnery

Day 2 – February 27, 2026
Cigars & Jazz | Dress to Impress!
Gardens Cigar Lounge
19801 NW 27th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
8:00 – 10:00PM

Festival Tickets: $20.00 ~ $230.00

See full schedule for details.

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DC JAZZFEST

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DC JAZZFEST

Arena Stage | 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

• Eric Byrd Trio | 1:00pm
• The JazzDC All-Stars Orchestra With Saxophonist Steve Wilson | 5:45pm
• Branford Marsalis Quartet | 7:45pm

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DC JAZZFEST

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DC JAZZFEST

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GERALD ALBRIGHT, KANDACE SPRINGS, THE DANGERFIELD NEWBIES

MABRA LAW and 91.9 JAZZ WCLK present The WCLK JazzFest featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, Kandace Springs and the Dangerfield Newbies for one spectacular night of music.

Gerald Albright is a Los Angeles, California born saxophonist and bass guitarist who has been a central figure in contemporary jazz since the 1980s. He’s known for his R&B instrumentals and has played with artists like Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and The Temptations. Albright’s solo career began in 1987 with Just Between Us and has included 19 albums, chart-topping hits, and Grammy nominations. He’s also toured with Phil Collins and Summer Horns.

Kandace Springs is a Nashville-based singer and pianist who blends jazz, soul, and pop with contemporary influences. Her smoky voice and piano mastery have led to performances at the Afropunk and Bonnaroo festivals, as well as a sold-out Royal Albert Hall concert. Springs cites Norah Jones, Roberta Flack, and Nina Simone as her biggest influences. Her father, Scat Springs, sang backup for artists like Aretha Franklin and exposed her to a wide range of music.

The Dangerfeel Newbies are Jamal Ahmad, Darren “DJ” Wagner and Mark Angel. Inspired by the story of Dangerfield Newby, one of five African-Americans in the John Brown party, this Atlanta-based trio delivers a set that is deeply rooted in blues, jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop & house.

Tickets: $45.00

Bring your own food and libations. Food trucks on hand to purchase favorites.

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LATE NIGHT JAZZ JAM | AJF

Tribute To Churchill Grounds

Music Curated by Lil’ John Roberts & Russell Gunn

Hosted By Jamal Ahmad

Cover: $50.00

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ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The 48th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival will take place in Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta, on Memorial Day Weekend from May 24th ~ 26th. The festival is free and open to the public, offering a celebration of jazz music, culture, and art. 

1:00pm  ~ Brandon Woody | Trumpet

3:00pm ~ Tyreek McDole | Vocal

5:00pm ~ Charles McPherson | Saxophone

7:00pm ~ Dianne Reeves | Vocal

9:00pm ~ Joe Gransden Big Band | Trumpet

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ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

1:00pm ~ Khari Cabral | Bass

3:00pm ~ Aneesa Strings | Bass, Vocal

5:00pm ~ Takuya Kuroda | Trumpet

7:00pm ~ Marsha Ambrosius | Vocal

9:00pm ~ Derrick Hodge | Bass

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MALA WALDRON QUARTET

Pianist, vocalist and educator Mala Waldron comes to Stony Brook, NY for the Harbor Jazz Festival and hits the Jazz Loft Lawn for an evening performance with her quartet.

A native of NYC whose first paid gig was playing keys and singing back-up vocals with a local R&B band, “Liquid Pleasure” at the Elk’s club at age 15.  Shortly after joining, the band was signed to RCA records Midland International.

She later enrolled at SUNY, Old Westbury study African-American Music Makanda Ken McIntyre, Richard Harper, Andrei Strobert, Warren Smith and Amina Claudine Myers, earning a Bachelors Degree.

The Band: Mala Waldron ~ Piano | Michael T.A. Thompson ~ Drums | Marcus McLaurine ~ Bass | Steve Salerno ~ Guitar

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THE HOSCHAR-PALMIERI QUINTET

Akron based drummer Drew Hoschar returns home from NYC. The Hoschar-Palmieri Quintet is a 5-piece jazz combo of the young rising stars of the Ohio jazz scenes pursuing jazz degrees at the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Cincinatti’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Both originally from northeast Ohio, drummer Drew Hoschar co-band leads with saxophonist Colin Palmieri for a night of fresh, original music, tasteful modern arrangements, and timeless classics with a band of young, heavy-hitting Cincinnati natives featuring Evan Taylor on guitar, Alex Nicodemus on piano, and Jack Early on bass.

Drew Hoschar – drums and cymbals

Colin Palmeri – alto saxophone

Evan Taylor – guitar

Alex Nicodemus – piano

Jack Early – bass

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MONTY ALEXANDER

Grammy nominated pianist Monty Alexander was born on June 6, 1944 (D-Day!) in Kingston, Jamaica and is one of today’s most sought-after pianists, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. He began playing the piano at the age of four. Monty is such a virtuoso on his instrument that he can express each of his improvisational ideas at any time. Swinging style, combined with his vitality and subtlety, is defined by his creativity, rhythmic strength and clearly accentuated sounds. Even Frank Sinatra commented “this guy is like dynamite”. In a career spanning seven decades, he has built a reputation exploring the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression.

His musical collaborations span multiple genres and styles. His projects have been as varied as assisting Natalie Cole in her tribute album to her father, Nat “King” Cole in 1991 (that album, “Unforgettable”, won seven Grammy awards), performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” under the direction of Bobby McFerrin at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and recording the piano track for the film score of Clint Eastwood’s “Bird”, a movie about the life of jazz titan Charlie Parker. Monty has performed and recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe: Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Victor Gaskin, Milt Jackson, Ernie Wilkins, Herb Ellis, Jeff Hamilton, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare, among many others. In 2000 and 2018 Monty Alexander was awarded the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for outstanding services to Jamaica in his capacity as worldwide music ambassador. Alexander maintains a rigorous touring schedule worldwide, from jazz clubs to concert halls and playing at Jazz Festivals from Switzerland to South Africa, Japan and Australia.

To date Monty Alexander has recorded over 75 albums as a leader. Shortly before his 80th birthday this upcoming June, Monty and his trio bring the 49th International Jazzfestival Bern to a close – on a high note!

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ROBERT GAMBARINI

The Band: Roberta Gambarini, vocal | Bill Easley, saxophone | Cyrus Chestnut, piano | Ameen Saleem, bass | Lewis Nash, drums

Roberta Gambarini began singing and performing at the age of 17 in jazz clubs around Northern Italy. In 1997 she worked with French Hammond organ player Emmanuel Bex touring jazz clubs throughout Italy. Shortly after she moved to New York City, and has since been performing with musicians like Jimmy Heath, Richard Wyands, Curtis Fuller, Hank Jones, Thelonious Monk, Jr., Roy Hargrove, Benny Bailey, Ben Riley, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, Larry Willis, Howard Johnson, Russell Malone, Christian McBride, Jeff Hamilton, Jesse Davis, Ronnie Mathews, Alvin Queen and many more.

Born in 1963, Cyrus Chestnut started his musical career at the age of six. He worked as a sideman with some of the leading players in the music including Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Branford Marsalis, Frank Morgan, Lauryn Hill, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, Joe Williams, Betty Carter, Freddy Cole, Bette Midler, Jimmy Scott, Isaac Hayes and Kevin Mahogany. As a leader, Cyrus has released 24 albums.

Bill Easley has had a diversified career as a professional musician and started playing professionally with his parents at the age of thirteen. He has played with George Benson, Isaac Hayes, Ruth Brown, Jimmy McGriff, Louie Bellson, Wynton Marsalis, Illinois Jacquet, Ron Carter, Frank Foster, Mercer Ellington, Warren Vache and many more. Bill has released seven recording as a leader.

Ameen Saleem is an allround artist. A native of Washington DC, since the start of his career his great compositional and technical skills have been instantly recognized. Although mainly grounded in jazz, Saleem’s music cannot be strictly defined as pertaining to a particular genre but, rather, as a uniquely personal style that spans a vast musical geography.

Universally recognized as one of the great drummers in jazz history, Lewis Nash’ illustrious career now spans over four decades. Nash is one of jazz’s most recorded musicians, appearing on over 500 recordings including 10 Grammy winners and numerous Grammy nominees. Nash toured, recorded and performed with many of jazz’s most celebrated icons, and his resume reads like a “who’s who” of jazz royalty.

Seating is limited. It is highly recommended buying your ticket in advance.

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NNENNA FREELON

Vocalist, composer, producer, arranger and 7 time Grammy nominee Nnenna Freelon brings her talent to the Hayti Heritage Center on the campus of North Carolina Central University.

She is joined by her ensemble including bassist John Brown, the NCCU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Robert Trowers, and the NCCU Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Lenora Helms Hammonds.

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HARBOR JAZZ FESTIVAL

2024 Harbor Jazz Festival

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ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. An annual celebration of the music, culture and art of jazz begins in April and culminates each Memorial Day weekend, with an outdoor festival featuring jazz artists from all over the world.

Established in 1978, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has become a tradition that draws music lovers from all around the region to experience the latest and greatest in jazz music culture. Mayor Maynard Jackson founded the original jazz festival with the idea to spotlight jazz in the city, because, as he said, “Jazz music is America’s only original art form, and…Atlanta, with its growing reputation as an international center of the arts and education, has both the opportunity and the responsibility to promote an art form whose roots are indigenous to the South.”

Since then, Atlanta Jazz Festival has hosted luminaries of the jazz music tradition including, Lionel Hampton (1980), Dizzy Gillespie (1988/1990), Wynton Marsalis (1989), Nina Simone (2000), Ray Charles (2002), Miles Davis (1983), Herbie Hancock (2000) and many, many more.

The city’s commitment to present a free jazz festival, as it was originally named “The Atlanta Free Jazz Festival,” is representative of a commitment to ensure that everyone who resides in and visits Atlanta will have easy access to high quality cultural experiences.

Lineup:

1 PM – JUSTICE MICHAEL & THE PASSAGE

3 PM – KELS

5 PM – GROOVE CENTRIC

7 PM – ANDRÉ 3000: NEW BLUE SUN LIVE

9 PM – LIZZ WRIGHT

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ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. An annual celebration of the music, culture and art of jazz begins in April and culminates each Memorial Day weekend, with an outdoor festival featuring jazz artists from all over the world.

Established in 1978, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has become a tradition that draws music lovers from all around the region to experience the latest and greatest in jazz music culture. Mayor Maynard Jackson founded the original jazz festival with the idea to spotlight jazz in the city, because, as he said, “Jazz music is America’s only original art form, and…Atlanta, with its growing reputation as an international center of the arts and education, has both the opportunity and the responsibility to promote an art form whose roots are indigenous to the South.”

Since then, Atlanta Jazz Festival has hosted luminaries of the jazz music tradition including, Lionel Hampton (1980), Dizzy Gillespie (1988/1990), Wynton Marsalis (1989), Nina Simone (2000), Ray Charles (2002), Miles Davis (1983), Herbie Hancock (2000) and many, many more.

The city’s commitment to present a free jazz festival, as it was originally named “The Atlanta Free Jazz Festival,” is representative of a commitment to ensure that everyone who resides in and visits Atlanta will have easy access to high quality cultural experiences.

Lineup:

1 PM – OKAN

3 PM – LUCA CIARLA TRIO

5 PM – JACQUES SCHWARZ-BART

7 PM – OLATUJA

9 PM – PAQUITO D’RIVERA

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ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. An annual celebration of the music, culture and art of jazz begins in April and culminates each Memorial Day weekend, with an outdoor festival featuring jazz artists from all over the world.

Established in 1978, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has become a tradition that draws music lovers from all around the region to experience the latest and greatest in jazz music culture. Mayor Maynard Jackson founded the original jazz festival with the idea to spotlight jazz in the city, because, as he said, “Jazz music is America’s only original art form, and…Atlanta, with its growing reputation as an international center of the arts and education, has both the opportunity and the responsibility to promote an art form whose roots are indigenous to the South.”

Since then, Atlanta Jazz Festival has hosted luminaries of the jazz music tradition including, Lionel Hampton (1980), Dizzy Gillespie (1988/1990), Wynton Marsalis (1989), Nina Simone (2000), Ray Charles (2002), Miles Davis (1983), Herbie Hancock (2000) and many, many more.

The city’s commitment to present a free jazz festival, as it was originally named “The Atlanta Free Jazz Festival,” is representative of a commitment to ensure that everyone who resides in and visits Atlanta will have easy access to high quality cultural experiences.

Lineup:

1 PM – NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND

3 PM – SULLIVAN FORTNER

5 PM – BUTCHER BROWN

7 PM – CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT

9 PM – SOMETHING ELSE!

10 PM – LAUREN HENDERSON | Park Tavern, 500 10th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

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WCLK AT 50 | LIL JOHN & HIS ALL-STAR BAND

To celebrate WCLK 91.9’s 50th Anniversary the Atlanta Jazz Festival is presenting WCLK At 50: Featuring Lil John Roberts with an Atlanta All-Star Band.

Award-winning drummer Lil John Roberts will lead an Atlanta All-Star Band including these outstanding musicians: Phil Davis, Rodney Edge, Tres Gilbert, Derek Scott, Miguel Gaeten, Melvin Jones, Joe Gransden, Kebbi Williams, Jamel Mitchell, Mike Burton, Saunders Sermons, and Daniel Wytanis.

There will be special guest performances by Kathleen Bertrand, Cleveland Jones, Rhonda Thomas, Imani Grace-Cooper, Julie Dexter, Tony Hightower, Dashill Smith, and Alexandra Jackson.

As the Narrator, Jon Goode will weave in stories about the history and legacy of WCLK. Lil John Robert serves as the concert’s Music Director. The event is Co-Produced by Jamal Ahmad, Lil John Roberts, and Ray Cornelius.

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JIMMY OWENS

Trumpeter Jimmy Owens is also a composer, arranger, lecturer, and educator. Over the course of his on-going sixty year career he has played with  Sir Roland Hanna, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Benny Golson, Hubert Laws, and Tom McIntosh, Frank Wess, Seldon Powell, Barry Galbraith, Bob Cranshaw, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Hank Crawford, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Herbie Mann, among many others. Since 1969, he has led his own group, Jimmy Owens Plus.

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MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL MIAMI

Thursday ~ February 29 | 3~Day VIP Holders Pre~Opening Reception Special Performance by ELEW

Friday | March 1st ~ Jon Batiste & Friends with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Israel Houghton, Lia De Itamaracá, Rogét Chahayed, Justin Kauglin

Saturday | March 2nd ~ Daniela Mercury, Seu Jorge, Cimafunk, Adrian Cota & The Winston House Band

Sunday | March 3rd ~ Daryl Hall, The Wailers, Cory Henry, Emily Estefan, Mathis Picard

Legendary Montreux Jam Session: $109 | Keeping with the tradition of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, we are offering nightly late night Jam Sessions after the headliners.   This is a seperate ticket exclusively for the late night Jam Sessions starting at 11pm.  Each night will feature the MJFM House Band with special guests and surprises.

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QUIANA PARLER & THE LAVON STEVENS TRIO

As lead vocalist, lyricist, and composer for internationally and critically acclaimed two-time Grammy Award-winning roots music group, Ranky Tanky, Quiana Parler spent weeks at #1 on several Billboard Jazz charts. Quiana has spent over 20 years as the most sought-after vocalist in the Lowcountry. Known locally for years prior, she rose to national prominence after her success on the 2003 season of American Idol. Quiana has worked and collaborated with diverse artists and producers such as Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Bobby McFerrin, Miranda Lambert, David Foster, Walter Afanasieff and many more.

Her performances have been featured on national broadcasts like The View, NBC’s TODAY, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and Saturday Night Live, as well as the Academy of Country Music Awards and the American Music Awards. Lavon Stevens has traveled and performed all over the country including Aspen, Colorado, Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. The resort vacation destination of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has been his home since 1981. He is one of the premier entertainers on Hilton Head Island. He is producing a variety of shows and recording projects including other R&B, Jazz and Gospel artists.

Cover: $10.00 ~ $15.00

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RANDY PORTER TRIO

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