Friday, May 23, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the Jersey City Jazz Festival returns for its 12th year, transforming the waterfront into a hub of rhythm, creativity, and cultural unity. This much-anticipated event—presented by Exchange Place Alliance and produced by Riverview Jazz—will take place at Exchange Place Plaza, kicking off Friday evening, May 30 at 6 PM, and continuing all day on Saturday, May 31 from noon to 9 PM.
Leading up to the main festivities, a week of jazz-inspired events will sweep across Jersey City starting Tuesday, May 27, culminating in a vibrant weekend showcasing the best of jazz and local culture.
Free Music, Elevated Experiences
Open to the public and completely free to attend, the festival features over 30 live performances across three outdoor stages, making it one of the region’s premier cultural events. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the ticketed “Clubhouse by Fords Gin” stage and VIP access options provide a luxurious way to enjoy the music.
Headliners & Highlights
Topping this year’s bill is Artemis, a groundbreaking all-female jazz ensemble led by pianist Renee Rosnes. Joined by world-class musicians—including Ingrid Jensen on trumpet and Nicole Glover on sax—Artemis has been honored as “Jazz Group of the Year” by DownBeat readers for two consecutive years. Their performance is set to be a festival standout, brimming with innovation and masterful artistry.
Also lighting up the stage is The Rumble, a genre-defying group from New Orleans that fuses Mardi Gras Indian tradition, jazz, brass band energy, and hip hop. Don’t miss their electrifying set on Friday at 8 PM, led by Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
Community Vibes & Family Fun
More than just music, the festival brings people together through shared cultural experiences. In partnership with the Jersey City Free Public Library, the Community Zone will offer family-friendly programming including arts and crafts, dance classes, and drum workshops. Local vendors, artisans, and food trucks will serve up delicious bites and handmade goods, while two on-site bars will keep the energy flowing.
Incredible Talent from Near and Far
The artist roster is packed with rising stars and acclaimed jazz veterans, including:
Sam Barsh, L.A.-based keyboardist and collaborator with Kendrick Lamar
Harry Mack, a master freestyle rapper
April May Webb and Tyreek McDole, award-winning jazz vocalists
Steven Bernstein’s MTO featuring Catherine Russell
Tim Berne, Kali Rodriguez Peña, and the Astoria Salsa Project
Additionally, WBGO’s Next Gen Collective and pianist James Austin Jr. will showcase emerging voices shaping the future of jazz.
Powered by Partnerships
The festival thrives thanks to strong community and corporate support. Key partners include Exchange Place Alliance, RWJ Barnabas Health, NJ PBS, WBGO, Jersey City Free Public Library, and the City of Jersey City. Grants from the Jersey City Arts & Cultural Trust Fund, Hudson County LAP, and the Princeton Foundation help make this massive cultural celebration possible.
For out-of-town guests, local hotels like Hyatt House, Hyatt Regency, and Canopy by Hilton offer convenient lodging just steps from the festivities.
Save the Date!
Whether you’re a jazz devotee or a casual music fan, the Jersey City Jazz Festival 2025 offers an inclusive, exciting weekend filled with top-tier performances, local flavor, and community spirit. Mark your calendar for May 30–31, and join thousands in celebrating the rhythms and richness of Jersey City’s cultural scene along the stunning Hudson River waterfront.
Come for the jazz. Stay for the experience.
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