Image courtesy of Valley Forge Tourism
As the region settles into an autumn mood, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is just warming up for the Montco Jazz Fest. This county-wide event is geared toward bringing a number of communities quite the show.
This third-annual event, described by the board as a “industry-leading entertainment offering” is well on its way to celebrating the legacy of jazz. From tribute concerts to artist collaborations, there will be plenty of musical talents for every town, every age, and every interest level from Sept. 19 to 22.
“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, the 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.”
Pascale, who was named as an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, is serving as the Montco Jazz Fest’s artistic director for the second consecutive year. She said that the festival will include “dozens of concerts, brunches, workshops, and other community-focused events.”
“The musicians and venues of Montgomery County are helping us shape a wonderful series of events for this year’s festival,” said Pascale. “This celebration will take place in venues all over the county, featuring events that honor the legends of jazz, while cultivating the legends of tomorrow.”
Pascale is no stranger to the stage herself, and she will be lending her vocal talents to the festival with an event at the Valley Forge Casino Resort. The artistic director said she is also bringing some feminine flaire to this year’s events. The Valley Forge Tourism board has partnered with Key of She Jazz, an organization that is “dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond.”
Key of She Jazz was founded by Montgomery County-native Olivia Hughhart. In addition to a donation from Valley Forge Tourism themselves, the organizing members will also offer opportunities for other patrons to contribute throughout the festival.
Festival organizers are also excited to announce the digital experience that will coincide this year’s events. ArtsMontco Pass, a free, mobile-friendly program, is designed to take guests on a “self-guided journey to more than 30 arts and culture locations throughout Montgomery County.”
The program doesn’t require a downloaded app, but rather offers an almost game-play interaction with guests as they take in the county’s hot spots. You can check in at each location, which earns you points and chances to win prizes.
The Montco Jazz Fest will run through Sept. 19 to 21, and while the events are subject to change, the current schedule includes:
Thursday, Sept. 19:
This celebration will get the “party started” with the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to WRTI DJ Bob Perkins. Josh Lee & the Extended Family, a Philadelphia-based ensemble of Temple alums will celebrate the music of the swing era. With the recent release of their debut album, the band’s members are looking forward to sharing musical stylings with all present.
Married duo Lauren Putty White and Brent White will blend their expertise in respective fields to present a meaningful narrative through the lens of Free Jazz and dance improvisation.
Jazz-flex vocalist Calli Graver is lighting suburbia with the music of jazz figures of her time, just outside her home base of Philadelphia. Her 2022 album “The Sun’s in My Eyes” will be part of the widely varied selections.
Friday, Sept. 20:
Artists and Musicians from Latin America (AMLA) invites you to “lace up your dance shoes” and hit the Ursinus College campus lawn for “infectious beats” of Esperanza’s AMLA sounds. Food, live music, and extended museum hours will all be part of the night’s activities, all at no cost for entry.
Ramos, a Cuban trombonist, singer, composer, arranger, and musical director, will bring his varied talents along with his Buena Vista Social Club counterparts.
Bassist and composer David Jamison will lead the locally based band, who has performed at many area festivals.
With 30 years of conga-playing experience, Teddy Pendergrass will join Blue Magic, and bassist Charles Frambrough giving audiences a unique opportunity for jazz and beyond through the evening.
Saturday, Sept. 21:
Pascale, the artistic director for the entire festival, will lend her vocal talents to relay emotionally connected, intimate musical stylings with “sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness and raw emotion.”
Become immersed into jazz with a writer and vocalist, combining their talents for an interactive workshop, followed by a farm-to-table feast and an evening of musical performances with this full event.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Deborah Smith Quartet will feature a trombonist, alongside her accompanying group performing award-winning jazz and a “boundless love for music” from 1 to 2 p.m. to get the event started. The Olivia Hughart Group plays 2:30 to 3:30 with a skilled saxophonist/woodwind player. Swing dancing lessons are offered from 4 to 5 p.m., while the Chelsea Reed & the Fair-Weather Band will play 5 to 7 p.m.
Come see an internationally renowned jazz vibraphonist Miceli perform, showing off the skills that have helped him teach a master class on the instrument, alongside Cole, a gifted guitarist, as they present jazz, R&B, gospel, folk, pop, and rock music.
CMS will spend the afternoon celebrating the sounds of Jazz legends from across time at this no-cost event open to the public.
To review updated information and any potential changes, visit https://www.valleyforge.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/arts-montco-week/montco-jazz-fest/.
