The highly anticipated 14th annual Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by the renowned Jazz House Kids, has announced its lineup for the 2023 Downtown Jamboree, set to take place on in Montclair, N.J., on Sept. 9.

Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to an impressive roster of headliners, including Regina Carter, Antibalas, Steve Turre, Melanie Charles, Person to Person featuring Eric Person and Houston Person, Edmar Castaneda, Vince Ector, Michael Mwenso and the Shakes, Jazz House Collective, and Christian McBride, the festival’s esteemed music director and curator.

Recognized as one of the most popular free jazz festivals in the greater NYC area and one of the largest in the country, the Montclair Jazz Festival promises an extraordinary experience for music enthusiasts. Under the direction and curation of 8-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist McBride, also the artistic director of the renowned Newport Jazz Festival, this year’s event will return to downtown Montclair, boasting two Soundcheck Series concerts and jam sessions, community events, and more filled with live music on multiple stages.

In total, the festival will feature an impressive lineup of 50 acts, 250 artists, family jazz activities, and 200 vendors, and is expected to draw in around 25,000 music fans while reaching thousands more through online platforms.

A distinctive aspect of the festival will be the Jazz Cruise Alumni Stage @ Midtown, showcasing Jazz House alumni and their peers—some of the nation’s top talent, all of whom have honed their skills at JAZZ HOUSE, the nation’s premier jazz education and performance organization.

“What is so unique about the Montclair Jazz Fesival’s downtown takeover is that it represents the coming together of Jazz House Kids’ full mission to provide access, learning, career development and community building through the American artform of jazz,” said Melissa Walker, founder & president of Jazz House in a press release. “Its treasured practitioners provide inspired mentorship for our emerging talent throughout the year and will create a joyous afternoon with incredible performances for thousands of fans.”

“It’s going to be yet another fabulous year at the Montclair Jazz Festival with such great artists, both up and coming and legendary, joining us,” McBride added. “Regina Carter, Antibalas, Steve Turre, Endea Owens, our Jazz House Collective and so many more, promise to make this year another hit.”

Leading up to the grand Downtown Jamboree on September 9th, the festival will also host the Soundcheck Series on July 27 and Aug. 24, showcasing talented artists such as saxophonist Bruce Williams and dynamic drummer and tenor saxophonist Roxy Cross.

Learn more about Montclair Jazz Festival here.