Music lovers, particularly jazzophiles, will be moving and swinging to their hearts’ content later this month as the Montco Jazz Festival returns for its fourth annual celebration.
Each year, the festival celebrates the spirit of community music-making at 23 diverse venues throughout Montgomery County. This year, it will feature more than 30 unique concerts and events from Tuesday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 21. For a third consecutive year, the festival is curated by internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and Artistic Director Joanna Pascale.
“The musicians and venues of Montgomery County are playing a vital role in shaping a dynamic and meaningful series of events for this year’s festival,” says Pascale. “This celebration is truly rooted in community — unfolding in spaces across the county, honoring jazz, and nurturing the next generation of artists who will carry the music forward.”
It all begins with the Montco Jazz Festival Kick-off at Berman Museum (60 E. Main St., Collegeville), featuring powerhouse performances by Danny Jonokuchi, The Revisionists, Charles Turner, Alexa Barchini and Chelsea Reed. The night will also feature Jazz Attack’s Mike and Kate, who open the night with a special choreographed performance and a beginner swing dance lesson.
Other standout performances among the 30-plus unique concerts and events include: Alex Bartlett Trio at Human Robot (208-210 York Rd., Jenkintown), Najwa Parkins at Stave & Stable (232 King St., Pottstown), and many more, including An Evening with Joanna Pascale, taking the stage at Valley Forge Casino (1160 First Ave., King of Prussia) on Thursday, Sept. 18.
“The annual Montco Jazz Fest is a signature event that showcases Montgomery County as a vibrant arts and culture destination,” said Rachel Riley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We’re especially excited to welcome back the talented Joanna Pascale, whose curated lineup of events this year will further cement Montco’s reputation as a must-visit spot for jazz and music enthusiasts across the region.”
Junior Jazz Festival
Head to the Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown) for a festival within a festival — an afternoon jam-packed with fun and music, featuring performances by talented students and seasoned professionals from the Community Music School (Trappe, Pennsylvania), and other local music schools from across the region.
As part of this special event, guests will have admission to the zoo included, allowing them to explore the zoo and enjoy music, while young ones can experience the joy of music in an educational afternoon.
Theatre Horizon season kick-off
The Norristown venue (401 DeKalb St, Norristown) is partnering with Montco Jazz Fest and inviting folks to kick off its 2025/26 season at a Kick-Off Open House. The event will feature concessions, games, behind-the-scenes tours, activities for all ages, and a chance to meet the Theatre Horizon staff.
There will also be live mini-concerts at 3 and 4 p.m., including standout performers from past productions; sneak previews of the upcoming season; and a special preview of the upcoming Tony Award-winning musical ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’,’ which features the music of Fats Waller.
The fun and free afternoon of music, theater, and community celebration begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.
All-Day Women in Jazz Party
The Montco Jazz Festival will also feature an All-Day Women in Jazz Party on Sunday, Sept. 21, hosted by Key of She Jazz Hotel West & Main (46 Fayette St., Conshohocken). Taking place from 1 to 6:30 p.m., the free event is a powerful celebration of women in jazz, featuring live performances from some of the top emerging and established female-led ensembles around. It will showcase the incredible talent and leadership of women in jazz.
The lineup will feature The Maria Marmarou Trio, led by renowned drummer Maria Marmarou, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.; The Olivia Hughart Group, led by saxophonist, composer, and Key of She founder Olivia Hughart, from 3 to 4:15 p.m.; and finally, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., folks in attendance can enjoy I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone, a stirring tribute featuring vocalist Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley that honors Nina Simone’s enduring legacy.
The All-Day Women in Jazz Party highlights the mission of Key of She Jazz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond.
Learn more at keyofshejazz.org
Enjoy more with ArtsMontco Pass
This year’s festival also invites guests to explore the ArtsMontco Pass, a free, interactive, mobile-friendly program that takes guests from galleries and museums to music venues, theaters, and artist studios on a self-paced tour of over 30 arts and culture destinations across Montgomery County.
By checking in at each location, participants can also earn points and unlock exclusive prizes, offering a dynamic way to engage with the region’s creative community.
For more information, tickets, and the complete schedule of performances for the Montco Jazz Festival, visit valleyforge.org
