JazzFest White Plains Returns for 11th Season

The annual JazzFest White Plains festival is back with a stellar lineup of free and affordable in-person programs. For its eleventh year, the festival remains true to its roots, presenting jazz from an outstanding roster that features musicians of local and national significance. On September 14-18, some of today’s most notable rising jazz stars will perform in downtown White Plains. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14

I’RO & The Afro Latin Exchange – 12pm | FREE
White Plains Farmers Market, 59 Court St.

Pedro Millan is a Puerto Rican/American saxophonist with a specialization in woodwinds. Born in Miami, Florida but raised in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico through age 12 before moving back to Miami. Millan has played around the world with people like John Clayton, Gordon Goodwin, Wayne Bergeron and more.

Downtown White Plains Jazz Stroll (Details TBA)

 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15

François Moutin & Kavita Shah Duo – 12pm | FREE 
Downtown Music at Grace, 33 Church Street, White Plains*

French bass virtuoso François Moutin and adventurous New York-born vocalist Kavita Shah will take listeners on an improvisational journey across both lyric-driven and wordless jazz standards and original music. Moutin was a member of the legendary Martial Solal Trio and co-lead Moutin Reunion Quartet. Shah is a vocalist, composer hailed by NPR for her “amazing dexterity for musical languages.”

Grace Kelly Concert Reception with Via Garibaldi – 6:30pm Performance & Reception Price: $75pp | White Plains Plaza, One North Broadway

Grace Kelly is an award-winning singer, saxophonist, songwriter, and is a member of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert house band. Tickets for this outdoor performance include prime concert-viewing seats, a welcome drink, and canapés and stations from Italian restaurant Via Garibaldi. Patrons can also view the performance on the Plaza.

This performance will take place outdoors with advanced ticket purchase required for prime viewing. Patrons can also view the performance on the Plaza, but must bring their own chair.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

Jazz at Noon:
Miki Hayama x Richie Goods Ensemble – 12pm | FREE  | White Plains Public Library Plaza, 100 Martine Ave.

Jazz-funk bass extraordinaire Richie Goods, one of the today’s most accomplished bass players, is the youngest person inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame. Most recently, pianist, arranger and musical director Miki Hayama worked on Nnenna Freelon’s Time Traveler, which was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Joey Alexander Trio 7pm & 9pm – $35 for 7pm or 9pm set |
$65 for both 7pm & 9pm sets
ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave.*

Bali-born pianist Joey Alexander has accrued a lifetime of accolades. The pianist, composer and bandleader is one of the most emotive and compelling pianist-composers active on the scene today—including being the youngest artist ever nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in a jazz category, topping the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, earning profiles in The New York Times and 60 Minutes.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17

A Workshop/Conversation with Legendary Jazz Bassist,
Buster Williams – 1pm | FREE |
Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Ave.

The Buster Williams Quartet “Something More” – 7pm & 9pm
$35 for 7pm or 9pm set | $65 for both 7pm & 9pm sets
ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave.*

Grammy Award-winning bassist Buster Williams is a jazz legend whose playing knows no limits. He has performed, recorded and collaborated with jazz giants such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, and many others. Williams tours frequently with his group Something More. The Buster Williams Quartet “Something More” features Buster Williams (bass), Steve Wilson (saxophone), Lenny White (drums) and Brandon McCune (piano/keyboard).

SunDAY, SEPT. 18

White Plains Jazz & Food Festival – FREE |
Mamaroneck Ave., between Main St. and Martine Ave. 

12:30-1:15pm | Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music

The Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music provides opportunities for musicians of diverse backgrounds, abilities and ages to develop their skills in jazz and other related musical forms. This performance features a selection of the Center’s top student musicians and faculty.

1:45-2:35pm | Albert Rivera Quintet

Bronx born and raised saxophonist Albert Rivera, described by NPR’s Owen McNally as “a modern jazz messenger,” has been a consistent force on a national and international level. DownBeat Magazine called him and his band “part of the next wave in this jazz ritual.” Rivera is a recipient of a Chamber Music America and ASCAP Young Jazz Composers awards.

3:05–3:55pm | Carlos Jimenez Mambo Sextet

The Carlos Jimenez Mambo Orchestra is a Westchester-based salsa band that gets audience members out of their seats and dancing. Yonkers native Carlos Jimenez is a flutist, vocalist, composer and band leader of jazz, Latin jazz and salsa. Jimenez has performed all over New York State and across the country, and toured internationally with many jazz greats.

4:25–5:15pm | G. Thomas Allen Quartet

Award-winning vocalist, composer and music educator G. Thomas Allen was the first male winner of the Sarah Vaughn International Competition. His diverse musical background has contributed to his unique approach to jazz – finding innovative ways for cross-genre experimentation, including the aesthetics of R&B, pop, gospel stylizing, and operatic inflections.

5:45–6:45pm | Ragan Whiteside and Friends 

Flutist, vocalist and songwriter Ragan Whiteside is currently taking the Contemporary Jazz world by storm. Originally from Mt. Vernon, Whiteside bagn playing flute at age eight. With her unique style and soulful vibe, this triple-threat is bringing the flute back into mainstream focus.

For Tickets & Concert Details, Visit: artsw.org/jazzfest