Jazz Forum Arts continues its 40th anniversary celebration with 32 free concerts during its annual outdoor summer concert series. Concerts are presented at five outdoor parks along the Hudson River.
“It’s amazing that we formed Jazz Forum Arts forty years ago to present free concerts in New York City’s Riverside Park and all these years later we’ll present 32 free concerts along the Hudson River in Westchester.” – Mark Morganelli, Founder & Executive Director
Enjoy live jazz and beautiful sunsets over the Hudson River with your friends and family in your neighborhood park!
Note: This year we added another weekly Jitterbugs Jam. Families with young children can enjoy our free Jitterbugs Jam at two of our locations: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park and now also in Pierson Park in Tarrytown! The Jitterbugs Jam is from 5:30-6:00 PM (prior to concerts).
NOTE: All parks open by 5pm for audience members.
Waterfront Park, Dobbs Ferry at 6:30-8:00pm
**Families with young children can enjoy our free Jitterbugs Jam at Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00 PM (prior to concerts).
July 9 – Sherma Andrews • Return to Paradise
An accomplished singer, arranger, producer, pianist and recording artist who has accompanied, among others, Branford Marsalis, Brittany Spears and Donna Summer, Sherma Andrews excels on stage. Her live shows, said legendary Motown songwriter Valerie Simpson, “thrill us.” Superstar singer Michael McDonald agreed after Sherma opened for him, calling her “amazing.”
July 16 – Fran Vielma • Venezuelan Jazz Collective
Hailing from the Venezuelan Andes, Fran Vielma is a critically acclaimed, award-winning multi-percussionist, composer, performer and recording artist. His first album Tendencias with his star-studded group, Venezuelan Jazz Collective, was among DownBeat’s top albums of 2018, and his 2022 work Common Grounds was called by Downbeat “more complex and unprecedented.”
July 23 – RAMA The Band
The creative brainchild of veteran NYC musicians/composers Rafael Carrasquillo and Matt Feinberg, RAMA The Band is an eclectic prog-rock/jazz fusion group. Indie Blend Radio raved about their debut EP, comparing this ensemble of international musicians to “Jethro Tull and Deep Purple with hints of Pink Floyd and Jazz-rock fusion. Bravo!”
July 30 – Tessa Souter
New York-based, London-born vocalist/lyricist Tessa Souter has summoned her deep contralto and adventurous repertoire to record five critically received albums and thrill audiences worldwide. Legendary vocalist and NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan calls Tessa, “a natural born singer with a beautiful voice and beautiful soul. She really moves me.”
August 6 – Pawel Ignatowicz Quartet
Among the most remarkable, distinctive jazz-meets-rock guitarists and composers of his generation, Pawel Ignatowicz seamlessly fuses potent improvisation and progressive rock with other genres. Since emigrating from Poland in 2005, he’s recorded albums, composed a film score and played legendary venues like NYC’s 55 Bar and DC’s Blues Alley.
August 13 – Nabaté Isles Quartet
A native New Yorker, in-demand trumpeter, composer and producer Nabaté Isles has played with numerous ensembles, including Christian McBride’s Grammy-winning big band. He’s released two ambitious albums as a leader, including 2023’s En Motion, exploring jazz’s origins as dance music, and restoring that by incorporating fresh 21st century rhythms.
August 20 – Ryan Sands Quartet
Ryan Sands is a passionate, energetic drummer on the rise. A Connecticut native, he’s part of the critically-acclaimed Christian Sands Trio, and is the primary drummer, composer and member of the NY-based music collective Altus. He’s about to release his second album as the leader of his own group.
August 27 – Naama Quintet
Inspired by the emotionally direct compositions of Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter and other great composers of the Great American Songbook, Naama has established herself as a prominent voice in the NYC jazz scene. With an urbane, elegant sound, Naama’s sensitive interpretation and crisp phrasing have become her signature style.
Lyndhurst, Tarrytown 6:30-8:00pm
* Parking fees apply
July 10 – Roella Oloro Quartet
Having recently relocated from London to New York, Roella Oloro is poised for a huge artistic breakthrough. This multi-instrumentalist, performer and composer graduated with highest honors from the prestigious Berklee School of Music, and played sold-out shows at top London venues. She’s already releasing records and exciting audiences here.
July 17 – Marcus McLaurine Quartet
The renowned bassist and composer Marcus McLaurine has long been recognized as a master of his craft and one of the most sought-after artists in jazz, sharing bandstands with legends Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, Abbey Lincoln and for over three decades, Clark Terry. Paris-Move.com calls his new album Tributes “breathtaking.”
July 24 – Freddie Bryant Quartet
Few are as accomplished in so many styles of music – Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Pop, straight ahead jazz and bebop, classical, Brazilian and more — as the great guitarist Freddie Bryant. A world-music aficionado, he’s toured in 55 countries. DownBeat magazine has praised Freddie as a “rhythmic and melodic sponge” who becomes “one with the music.”
July 31 – Steve Johns Quintet
One of the most dynamic and versatile drummers on both the NYC and international jazz scenes, Steve Johns has performed and recorded with virtually the “Who’s Who” of the jazz world: Benny Carter, Billy Taylor, Sonny Fortune, Nat Adderley, Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker and many others.
August 7 – Gabrielle Stravelli
The New York Times compared vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli’s phrasing and playfulness to Ella Fitzgerald. Blending musical traditions with a modern, genre-bending sensibility, she’s a joyful presence on the NY jazz scene, a regular at Birdland who’s also played Carnegie Hall and toured nationally with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra.
August 14 – Mimi Jones Quartet
For nearly three decades, bassist/vocalist/producer Mimi Jones has excelled as a collaborator to world-class musicians and as a leader with her own record label. She’s toured worldwide as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador and has backed Kenny Barron, Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy-winning Mosaic Project.
August 21 – Sarah Jane Cion • Steps Behind Quartet
Sarah Jane Cion’s brilliance was recognized by jazz legend McCoy Tyler who said she “caresses the piano with sensitivity and love, and the colors she uses demonstrate her gift and vision.” She’s won major nationwide competitions, performed internationally, appeared on NPR’s “Piano Jazz,” and organized the Yonkers Library Jazz Band.
August 28 – Sangha Tierra
Sangha Tierra is an 11-piece band mixing world and Latin musical influences to perform socially and spiritually conscious material. “Sangha” in Sanskrit means a spiritually-connected community and “Tierra” in Spanish means earth. Their goal is to create a world community spiritually connected through music which they perform in several languages.
Pierson Park, Tarrytown 6:30-8:00pm
New this year: **Families with young children can enjoy our free Jitterbugs Jam at Pierson Park in Tarrytown on Fridays from 5:30-6:00 PM (prior to concerts).
July 11 – Bertha Hope Quartet
Widow of pianist Elmo Hope, a giant of mid-20th Century bebop, Bertha Hope’s own piano playing has long been unjustifiably overlooked. Blessed with perfect pitch and natural talent, her excellent records and performances inevitably draw raves. In 2018, Bertha won the National Jazz Museum of Harlem’s “Legend of Jazz” award, and was just awarded a jazz fellowship by the Mellon Foundation.
July 18 – Javier Madrazo Quartet
Buenos Aires-born Javier Madrazo is a guitarist/composer/arranger who plays jazz, Brazilian, Groove, pop and R&B. He graduated from Argentina’s prestigious Manuel de Falla conservatory, releasing two critically-acclaimed albums. Moving to NY, he earned his MA at Queens College, becoming the first non-American jazz composer to receive ASCAP’s “Louis Armstrong” award.
July 25 – Mel Nusbaum’s Jazz Zone
A favorite of audiences on both sides of the Hudson, multi-instrumentalist Mel Nussbaum hails from Chicago, and absorbed the blues as a youth. Moving east, he gravitated to jazz, was mentored by greats Roland Hanna and Barry Harris, and performed with countless giants. Mel and his group are a treat.
August 1 – Bruce Cox Quartet
Performing since 1980, in-demand drummer Bruce Cox first toured with the prolific Intergalactic Sun Ra Arkestra. He regularly collaborated with legends like Sonny Rollins, Fred Wesley and the New JBs, and Stanley Turentine, and formed the trio Three Of A Kind. He’s recorded two albums of original compositions.
August 8 – Nelson Riveros Quartet
Jazz guitarist, vocalist and composer Nelson Riveros is part of an emerging force of a new generation of Contemporary Latin Jazz artists. His 2021 hit album The Latin Side of Wes Montgomery spent 20 weeks on the JazzWeek chart, including eight weeks in the Top 10, peaking at Number 2.
August 15 – Bill Warfield & Hell’s Kitchen Funk Orchestra
Led by trumpeter Bill Warfield, The Hell’s Kitchen Funk Orchestra is a group comprised of some of NYC’s most sought-after Broadway and studio musicians. They mix adventurous, modernistic pieces, jazz-tinged salsa and post-bop hipness. Jazz Times calls Warfield a “top-rate craftsman, perhaps one of the best on the scene.”
August 22 – Gina D’Soto
Gina D’Soto is a rising star redefining Cuban music on the global stage. NY-based, she captivates audiences with her authentic blend of R&B, pop, and Cuban traditions, creating a sound that feels both timeless and groundbreaking. Her music celebrates cultural diversity, part of the new wave of Cuban artists.
August 29 – Vincent Herring Quartet – Bird Lives!
Celebrating the late, great Charlie Parker’s 105th birthday anniversary, one of music’s top contemporary saxophonists, Vincent Herring, will lead his quartet in a tribute to the man who helped revolutionize jazz. With his fiery, soulful sound, Herring has recorded over 20 albums as a leader and over 250 as a sideman
Henry Gourdine Park, Ossining 6:30-8:00pm
July 14 – Ingrid Jensen Quartet
Among the most gifted jazz trumpeters today, Canadian-born Ingrid Jensen has earned accolades for both recordings and performances, which The Guardian called, “absorbing” and “highly original.” She’s been a Juno Award-winner (Canada’s Grammy), has been the leader on 10 albums and is a member of the celebrated all-women’s group Artemis.
July 28 – Oren Neiman Quartet
Oren Neiman is a guitar/mandolin player, and his compositions combine jazz sensibility with Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies. Musically innovative in the forefront of today’s jazz styles, he’s also celebrated for his technical precision. His quartet has performed at top NY venues like Joe’s Pub, The 55 Bar and Cornelia St. Café.
August 11 – Marcos Varela Quartet
Originally from Houston, now in NYC and mentored by Ron Carter, Marcos Varela is highly-skilled on both acoustic and electric bass. Besides regular performances with heavyweights like The Mingus Big Band, George Cables, and Billy Hart, he leads his own group and has released two highly-regarded albums.
August 25 – Gerry Malkin Quintet
The Gerry Malkin Quintet is the quintessential, hard-working, NYC-area group that plays top-notch music, while going under-recognized in the competitive, crowded metropolitan marketplace. Leader and tenor saxophonist Malkin studied with Dave Liebman, Frank Foster and Bob Berg and has performed with Tito Puente, Lew Soloff, Ray Vega and Harvie S.
Horan’s Landing, Sleepy Hollow 6:30-8:00pm
August 5, 12, 19, 26 – Mark Morganelli & The Jazz Forum All-Stars Celebrate Brasil!
Eddie Monteiro, Roni Ben-Hur & Nanny Assis
Flugelhornist Mark Morganelli collaborated with several renowned Brazilian musicians to record 28 tunes by 10 different Brazilian composers, resulting in 2018’s double-CD, Brasil! He’ll feature midi-accordionist and vocalist Eddie Monteiro, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur and drummer, guitarist and vocalist Nanny Assis as they evoke the Brazilian spirit along the Hudson Riverfront.
