Join us September 15–20, 2026, as Montco Jazz Fest marks its 5th Anniversary with six days of extraordinary music, unforgettable performances, and a celebration of the rich legacy of jazz throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This milestone festival shines a spotlight on the 100th birthdays of jazz icons including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, and other legendary artists whose music continues to inspire generations. From intimate listening rooms to vibrant community venues, audiences can experience an exciting lineup of performances in diverse locations across the county. Curated in collaboration with internationally acclaimed jazz artist Joanna Pascale, this year's festival brings together celebrated musicians and rising talent for a week that honors the past while celebrating the future of jazz. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or you're joining us for the first time, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Montco Jazz Fest. Concerts Tuesday, September 15 LANSDALE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION: Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra featuring Joanna Pascale Whites Road Park | 400 White's Road | Lansdale, PA 19446 6pm-8pm (free) Larry McKenna was one of the world’s finest jazz saxophonists, celebrated for his rich, velvet tone, his lyrical gift for ballad playing, and his fluid, bebop-inspired improvisations. A deeply beloved figure in jazz, he shared the stage and studio with many of the music’s great voices, including Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Frank Sinatra. His writing and arranging are showcased in The Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece ensemble devoted to performing his original compositions and arrangements. Since his passing, the orchestra is dedicated to honoring not only his remarkable artistry but also the warmth, and joyful spirit that defined his life in music. Stunning, sophisticated and extremely soulful.- Philadelphia Inquirer Lyric is paramount for vocalist Joanna Pascale, who insists that she cannot perform a song unless she can connect personally with its lyrics. A singer of sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness and raw emotion, Pascale currently serves as Artistic Director of the Montco Jazz Festival. . Eddie V's, King of Prussia - V. Shayne Frederick Trio 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Admission is free Wednesday, September 16 RIVET CANTEEN & ASSEMBLY: Celebrating 100 Years: The West Chester University Criterions Jazz Ensemble directed by Jonathan Ragonese 238 E High Street | Pottstown, PA 19464 5:30pm doors/6:30 pm show (free) In the 1926-27 season, a new dance band was formed on West Chester's campus. Bringing the best of the best together, it was labeled as the criterion. In the fall of 2026, we will celebrate 100 years of the Criterions, the longest running band of its kind in the United States. We are honored to usher the Criterions into their second century, expanding their impact in the community and for our students. www.wcupa.edu/music/criterions Jonathan Ragonese, composer-arranger-saxophonist, is the Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Professor at the Wells School of Music at West Chester University. As a saxophonist he has performed and recorded with a wide array of musicians including Steve Wilson, David Liebman, Jon Faddis, The Sirius Quartet, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Tim Warfield, Tin Can Buddha and Steve Rudolph. As a composer his works have been commissioned and premiered by The New York Film Festival, saxophonist Steve Wilson, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, The Museum of Modern Art, the Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony, the Righteous Girls, Bucknell University, Messiah University, West Chester University and the Harrisburg Youth Symphony. www.jonathanragonese.com MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER: Vocalist Lucas Beltran Celebrates Tony Bennett at 100 1030 Horsham Rd | Montgomeryville, PA 18936 7pm (free) Lucas Beltran is a 20-year-old Peruvian jazz vocalist based in Philadelphia, emerging as one of the genre's exciting new voices. With a timeless sound, he has performed on stages across New York City and beyond. Lucas gained national recognition on NBC's The Voice, joining Team Michael Bublé after an acclaimed Blind Audition that also drew praise from Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. He recently released his debut album, Christmas Swings Again! recorded with the Peter Frank Orchestra. www.lucasbeltranmusic.com AMBLER THEATER: Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959) Renew Theaters | 106 East Butler Ave | Ambler, PA 19002 Tickets $13.50 General, $11.50 Students and Seniors, $8.00 Members Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, directed and edited by Aram Avakian and Bert Stern. JAZZ ON A SUMMER'S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O'Day, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and closes with a beautiful rendition of "The Lord's Prayer" by Mahalia Jackson at midnight to usher in Sunday morning. Presented in a sparkling new 4K restoration, this 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made. In 1999, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Watch the official re-release trailer: Running Time: 1 hr 28 min HUMAN ROBOT: Alex Bartlett Trio 208-210 York Road | Jenkintown, PA 19046 7pm-9pm (no cover) Alex Bartlett-Guitar John Swana- EVI Chris Pistorino-Bass EDDIE V’S: The Vibe Trio 670 W Dekalb Pike | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6:30pm-9:30pm (no cover) Thursday, September 17 HOTEL WEST & MAIN: Montco Jazz Festival’s Annual Swing Social with Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Nine 46 Fayette Street | Conshohocken, PA 19428 6pm-7pm Free Swing Dance Lesson 7pm-9pm (Free Music and Dancing) www.hotelwestandmain.com Chelsea Reed is a jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, and bandleader living in Philadelphia. She’s been singing and playing for audiences all over the world and adding band members along the way as the leader of the Fair Weather Band. With four albums and a decade of touring under her belt, Chelsea Reed brings the soul of a dance to any show--whether at a jazz club, backroom blues bar, or festival stage. Reed draws upon the intensity of powerhouse vocalists and the ingenuity of 20th century composers. She currently teaches jazz history and performance at Temple University Kate Holden and Mike McDermott and will be teaching a lesson for beginners prior to the start of the show and will perform a choreographed number during the performance. www.thefairweatherfive.com KOP TOWN CENTER: Brandon Moulden 155 Village Drive Suite 100 | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6pm-8pm (free) www.kingofprussia-towncenter.com Brandon Evan Moulden is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter, song stylist and poet rooted in the jazz idiom, soul influence, and pop sounds of old and new. With his voice and music, he seeks to amplify storytelling by placing both the lyric and the listener in a bed of thought and emotion. COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL: Bach’s Lunch 775 West Main Street | Trappe, PA 19426 Doors Open: 12:00 PM | Concert Begins: 12:10 PM (free) www.cmsmusic.org Join Community Music School for Bach's Lunch, our free monthly concert series. This month, enjoy an afternoon of lively jazz performed by the CMS Jazz Trio in an intimate, welcoming setting. Bring your lunch from home or grab takeout, then relax and enjoy great music with friends. Bach's Lunch is held on the third Thursday of each month, offering an hour of live music showcasing the talent of the CMS faculty. RSVPs are appreciated for large groups. SOUTHERN CROSS KITCHEN: King Jazz with vocalist, Cindy King 8 E 1st Ave | Conshohocken, PA 19428 6pm-9pm (no cover) www.southerncrosskitchen.com www.jazzisking.com EDDIE V’S: Chris Marsceill Trio 670 W Dekalb Pike | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6:30pm-9:30pm (no cover) www.eddiev.com/live-music Friday, September 18 PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION: Movie in the Park: “SOUL” Greater Plymouth Community Center Park | 2903 Walton Rd | Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Movie starts at Dusk (around 7pm) www.plymouthtownship.org/greater-plymouth-community-center/gpcc-events/ This heartwarming, jazz-inspired film is the perfect addition to the festival and offers a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the music, creativity, and spirit of jazz. TROUBLES END BREWING: The Philly 5 530 W 3rd Avenue | Unit 310 | Collegeville, PA 19426 8pm (no cover) www.troublesendbrewing.com The articulate swagger of hard-bop meets a local dialect in this quintet, which features Tony Miceli on vibraphone, Chris Farr on tenor saxophone, John Swana on trumpet, Madison Rast on bass, and Dan Monaghan on drums. The group’s cohesion on the bandstand comes naturally due in part to their 30-year history. Individually, they have appeared on numerous recordings and have each toured extensively worldwide. Their music is a joyful celebration of swing and bebop, deeply rooted in the rich history of Philadelphia. Prepare to be transported by their infectious energy and love for the music. EATALY at the King of Prussia MALL: Vocalist, Gabrielle Stravelli 350 Mall Blvd | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6pm-9pm (no cover) www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/king-prussia THE RABBIT HOLE: The David Reiter Trio with special guest vocalist, Geri Oliver 201 W 6th Avenue | Conshohocken, PA 19428 6pm-9pm (Tickets $20) www.therabbitholeconshy.com MOODY JONES GALLERY: DJC Project 319 York Road | Jenkintown, PA,19046 6pm-8pm ($15 cover) Instagram: @moodyjonesgallery Band members Nick DiGiacomo (guitar), David Jamison (bass) and Clayton Carothers (drums) bring improvised jazz fusion with flavors of funk and hip-hop. An evening of artistic exploration through music awaits. EDDIE V’S: V Shayne Frederick Trio 670 W Dekalb Pike | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6:30pm-10:30pm (no cover) www.eddiev.com/live-music Saturday, September 19 THE CIGAR REPUBLIC: The Jazz Bridge Superband featuring pianist, Uri Caine and saxophonist, Ralph Bowen Celebrating 21 years of Jazz Bridge 126 Fayette Street | Conshohocken, PA 19428 8pm-11pm ($25 Cover) www.thecigarrepublic.com/conshohocken Jazz Bridge and The Cigar Republic present The Jazz Bridge Superband featuring: Ralph Bowen-saxophone Uri Caine-piano Madison Rast-bass Tom Cohen-drums All proceeds will be benefiting Jazz Bridge. Jazz Bridge assists Jazz and Blues musicians living in the Greater Philadelphia Metro area who face financial, health, housing and similar crises. www.jazzbridge.org/montcojazzfest ELMWOOD PARK ZOO: Junior Jazz Festival 1661 Harding Blvd | Norristown, PA 19401 10am-3pm (included with zoo admission) www.elmwoodparkzoo.org Join Elmwood Park Zoo a fun-filled, music-packed afternoon at the Stony Creek Stage, Saturday, September 20th from 10am-1pm. Enjoy a vibrant mix of performances by talented students and seasoned professionals, presented in partnership with Elmwood Park Zoo, Community Music School (Trappe, Pa), Bach to Rock and other local music schools from across the region. This special event is included with zoo admission—so come explore the zoo, discover the joy of music, and spark creativity in your little ones! HUMAN ROBOT: Dave Allen Trio 208-210 York Road | Jenkintown, PA 19046 12pm-3pm (no cover) www.humanrobotjenkintown.com WELL CRAFTED BEER COMPANY – AMBLER BEER GARDEN: Josh Lawrence celebrates Miles Davis at 100 Ambler Yards | 300 Brookside Ave Bldg 19 Suite E | Ambler, PA 19002 5 - 8 pm www.wellcraftedbeer.com/home/ambler Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions. Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum. His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music. www.joshlawrencejazz.com THE ROYAL MUSC AND ARTS CENTER: The A to Z Band, reimagining the music of Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, featuring Mary Lou Newnam and Len Pierro 1 S Easton Rd | Glenside, PA 19038 7:30pm doors, 8pm (tickets are $25 advanced tickets are recommended) www.theroyalglenside.com Al Cohn and Zoot Sims were prominent figures in the jazz world, primarily in the 50s and 60s but their roots go back to the Swing era. They met in 1948 when Al joined Woody Herman’s Second Herd, known as the Four Brothers band, and launched a musical collaboration with Zoot Sims that would last a lifetime. They were good friends and the music reflects that. It’s joyous, accessible and possesses an infectious swing. The A to Z Band (quintet) will play tunes (originals and standards) that were recorded during Al and Zoot’s heyday. They will also present some of their history, humor and works. Mary Lou Newnam brings her 50 years of mainstream jazz experience and versatility to the stage with her. An accomplished saxophonist, Mary Lou has a melodic and soulful approach to her music and is a frequent performer in the tri-state area. Len Pierro is a performer, composer, arranger, musical director, producer, and educator from the Philadelphia area. He is the leader of the Len Pierro Jazz Orchestra which has released two CDs of his compositions and arrangements for big band titled The Third Quarter (2020) and As I Was Saying (2024). Mary Lou Newnam – tenor saxophone Len Pierro – tenor saxophone Tom Lawton – piano Kevin MacConnell – bass Joe Nero – drums http://www.lenpierro.com/the-a-to-z-band MOODY JONES GALLERY: Violinist, Faith 319 York Road | Jenkintown, PA,19046 2pm-4pm ($15 cover) Instagram: @moodyjonesgallery EDDIE V’S: RaiSan Sings Trio 670 W Dekalb Pike | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6:30pm-10:30pm (no cover) Sunday, September 20 HUMAN ROBOT: Greg Snyder Trio 208-210 York Road | Jenkintown, PA 19046 12pm-3pm (no cover) TEMPLE AMBLER in partnership with UPPER DUBLIN PARKS AND RECREATION: Josh Lee and the Family celebrate Jimmy Heath at 100 580 Meetinghouse Rd | Ambler, PA 19002 5pm (free) Josh Lee and the Extended Family is a Philadelphia based ensemble composed of Temple alums that authentically celebrates the music and the dance of the swing era. Composed of the brightest young musicians in the city, the Extended Family strives to further the 100-year tradition of big band music while honoring its pioneers—Moten, Basie, Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson to name a few. Josh Lee is a Grammy winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, as well as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra and faculty at Temple and Villanova Universities. www.joshleeandthefamily.com ROBINSON PARK in partnership with CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION : Luke Carlos O’Reilly celebrates John Coltrane at 100 Students from Mic’d Up Philly will be opening Greenwood Avenue and North Bent Road | Wyncote, PA 19095 4pm (free) Luke Carlos O’Reilly is an award winning pianist and organist. His musical style is heavily influenced by Jazz, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Latin Jazz and Classical. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Seal, Roy Ayers, Curtis Fuller, Nicholas Payton, Dave Valentin, Billy Paul, Bobby Watson, Slide Hampton, Fred Wesley, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Carol Riddick and many others. MIC’d Up (Music Industry Classrooms) is an artistic, community-based initiative that connects all-star Philly DJs, producers and musicians with the next generation of talent. MIC’d Up is a new platform for mentors and mentees to discuss their passions for art, music and technology, as well as to learn more about the business, marketing and promotion of music. Eddie V’s: Lou Lanza Trio 670 W Dekalb Pike | King of Prussia, PA 19406 6pm-9pm (no cover)
