September 8-13: JazzFest 2020

The 9th annual JazzFest White Plains remains true to its roots, presenting a roster of artists whose musical styles and influences are heavily represented in the diverse cultural heritage of White Plains and Westchester. Participating artists include Westchester and NYC jazz greats, as well as emerging musicians and rising stars carrying jazz in new directions.

For the safety and security of our community, JazzFest 2020 will be presented largely virtually, as a series of evening Zoom programs, between September 8-13. Part conversation, part performance, these intimate online gatherings are not-to-be-missed!

Learn more at artsw.org/jazzfest.

A partnership between ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and the White Plains BID, JazzFest has become a signature White Plains event presenting free and affordable jazz experiences to jazz enthusiasts from Westchester and beyond

Just added!

Weekend Jazz Lunch

For reservations:

Saturday, Sept. 12
Noon: Hudson Grille | 169 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 977-5600
2pm: The Brazen Fox | 175 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 358-5911

Sunday, Sept. 13
2pm: Via Garibaldi | 1 N Broadway, (914) 468-1888

Incidental outdoor jazz while you dine at participating restaurants.Dining minimum applies per person. Masks must be worn when not seated.

Virtual Events Schedule

Tuesday, September 8

6pm: Presenting Jazz in the time of COVID-19
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains, and the WPBID
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

Featuring:
Mark Morganelli, Jazz Forum
John Brathwaite, PJS Jazz
Elizabeth Sander, The Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music
Wayne Bass, White Plains Commissioner of Recreation & Parks
List in formation

8pm: Jazz in Westchester
Presented by the White Plains Public Library and ArtsWestchester
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

Show your Westchester pride by tuning in to this program that features jazz artists who have deep roots and ties to Westchester County. The program will include short performances by each of the artists and a moderated discussion about the history and development of jazz in Westchester.

Moderated by Tom van Buren, New York Folklore Board President

Featuring:
Art Bennett, sax
Kathryn Farmer, piano and voice
Kenny Lee, trumpet
Rocky Middleton, bass
List in formation

Wednesday, September 9

Noon: Isabella Mendes & Flavio Lira Duo
Presented by Downtown Music at Grace
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

Isabella Mendes is a singer-songwriter, pianist, composer and educator whose work is rooted in Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Flavio Lira explores the musical traditions of Brazil, Cuba and Colombia. Together, the two will present a special all-originals set, during this midday performance.

6pm: Jazz Education in Westchester
Presented by White Plains Public Library and ArtsWestchester
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

Enjoy an intimate conversation between Westchester’s top jazz instructors as they delve into topics such as their personal histories in education, the development of local institutions of jazz learning, and a discussion of COVID-19 and its impact on teaching jazz inside and outside the classroom. The program will include short performances by each of the artists.

8pm: Jazz & Intergenerational Exchange
presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains and White Plains BID
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

A discussion between master jazz artists and their mentees will delve into the topics of intergenerational exchange and transmission in jazz education. The moderated program will also include short live performances by each master-mentee pair.

Moderated by Pete Malinverni, Purchase College

Featuring:
Alexis Cole and Lucy Wijnands
Bobby Sanabria and Gabrielle Garo
Ulysses Owens Jr. and Aaron Jennings

Thursday, September 10

8pm: Jazz at the Intersections
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains & White Plains BID
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

These featured artists are pushing the boundaries of jazz by engaging musical traditions alongside and outside the genre. Live demonstrations and performances by each of these artists, as well as a moderated discussion, will introduce audiences to the world of jazz fusion.

Featuring:
Amir ElSaffar | Arabic music and jazz
Jomion & the Uklos | West African/Carribean music and jazz
Pablo Mayor | Columbian music and jazz

Friday, September 11

8pm: Jazz's Rising Stars
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains & White Plains BID
Broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live

Discover some of the top young jazz musicians playing in the United States. This virtual gathering will include short live performances by each of the four featured artists, as well as a moderated discussion about what it’s like to be a young rising star in jazz today.

Moderated by Keanna Faircloth, WBGO

Featuring:
Connie Han, piano
Matthew Whitaker, piano
Veronica Swift, voice
Alicia Olatuja, voice