Locals can take a short trip to hear some music and make some memories with the return of Montco Jazz Festival next month.
The second go-around of this new tradition has been curated by internationally-acclaimed jazz vocalist, and Montco Jazz Fest Artistic Director, Joanna Pascale. And what Philadelphians can expect is a series of concerts, brunches, workshops, and other community-focused events.
“Our annual Montco Jazz Fest is a one-of-a-kind offering that truly highlights Montgomery County as an arts tourism destination,” notes Rachel Riley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications in a statement. “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.”
The music-clad occasion will kick off Sept. 19 and run until Sept. 22. This year, Jazz Fest has also partnered up with Key of She Jazz, an organization founded by Olivia Hughart (a Montco native) dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond. Valley Forge Tourism will offer opportunities for patrons to support Key of She Jazz via donations over the course of that weekend.
Locals can also opt to use the ArtsMontco Pass for the occasion. The mobile-friendly program takes guests on a “self-guided journey to more than 30 arts and culture locations throughout Montgomery County, including galleries and museums, music and theater venues, artist workshops, and more.” All you have to do is check in at each location to earn points and win prizes (more information can be found online.)
“The musicians and venues of Montgomery County are helping us shape a wonderful series of events for this year’s festival,” adds Pascale, who will be performing her own concert as part of the Fest at Valley Forge Casino Resort, in a statement. “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.”
The Montco Jazz Festival kickoff will take place at Temple University’s Ambler Campus (580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler) and will feature Josh Lee and the Extended Family, a Philadelphia-based ensemble composed of Temple alums. Other performances on the same night at different locations will feature performers like the Putty Dance Project, Chris Marsceill Trio, Greg Farnese and more.
More highlighted events happening over the weekend include An Evening with the Mike Lorenz Trio: Exploring the History of Jazz Guitar (Sept. 19), the Latin Jazz Social (Sept. 20), Harvesting Your Creativity with singer/songwriter Michelle Lordi and author Chandra Hoffman (Sept. 21), A Day at the Boardwalk featuring The Charly Salinger Swing Trio (Sept. 21), the Kevin Hanson Trio (Sept. 22), and the Women in Jazz Party hosted by Key of She (Sept. 22).
With the latter, (which takes place at Hotel Main & West, 46 Fayette Street, Conshohocken), a plethora of performers will be on the docket, as well as a number of creative activities, including a Swing Dance lesson from 4 to 5 p.m., and a show from Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band from 5 to 7 p.m. (a full schedule can be found online.)
In addition to the Fest, Valley Forge Tourism has also announced the Sunday Singer Series, which will take place at North Italia located at the King of Prussia Mall (350 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia). According to the release, these special concerts will feature artists showcasing their one-of-a-kind vocal talents for diners at North Italia on Sept. 1, 8, and 15.
To find out more information and a full schedule of everything happening for the 2024 Montco Jazz Festival, visit valleyforge.org
