Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board To Host Third Annual Jazz Festival throughout September
Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board will host its third annual Montco Jazz Fest, an industry-leading entertainment offering that, for 2024, celebrates the living legacy of jazz by featuring artist collaborations and tribute concerts highlighting some of the great legends of the game.
Curated for a second year by internationally acclaimed Jazz Vocalist and Montco Jazz Fest Artistic Director, Joanna Pascale, the festival will feature dozens of concerts, brunches, workshops, and other community-focused events.
“Our annual Montco Jazz Fest is a one-of-a-kind offering that truly highlights Montgomery County as an arts tourism destination,” stated Rachel Riley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We are thrilled to have the incredible Joanna Pascale return this year to curate a noteworthy series of events, which will truly elevate Montgomery County as a prime location for jazz and music lovers across the region.”
“The musicians and venues of Montgomery County are helping us shape a wonderful series of events for this year’s festival,” stated Pascale, who will be performing her own concert as part of the Fest at Valley Forge Casino Resort. “This celebration will take place in venues all over the county, featuring events that honor the legends of jazz while cultivating the legends of tomorrow.”
This year, Valley Forge Tourism has partnered with Key of She Jazz, an organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond. The Founder, Olivia Hughart, is a Montgomery County native. In addition to providing monetary support to the organization, Valley Forge Tourism will offer opportunities for patrons of the Festival to support Key of She Jazz via donations.
The Festival is also an opportunity for patrons to experience the ArtsMontco Pass, a free, mobile-friendly program that takes guests on a self-guided journey to more than 30 arts and culture locations throughout Montgomery County, including galleries and museums, music and theater venues, artist workshops, and more. Guests simply check in at each location to earn points and win prizes.
The 2024 Montco Jazz Festival Line-Up
Throughout September: Women in Jazz Sunday Vocal Series
Where: North Italia, 305 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia
When: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (no cover)
Sept. 1: Venissa Santi
Sept. 8: Najwa Parkins
Sept. 15: Sharon Sable
Thursday, Sept. 19: Festival Kickoff, featuring Josh Lee & the Family (Honoring WRTI DJ Bob Perkins)
Where: Temple University Ambler Campus, 580 Meetinghouse Rd., Ambler
When: 6-9:00 PM (no cover)
About: Temple University will honor former WRTI DJ Bob Perkins with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Perkins will be joined by Josh Lee and the Extended Family, a Philadelphia-based ensemble composed of Temple alums who authentically celebrate 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, and Fletcher Henderson to name a few. 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. They recorded their debut album, Introducing Josh Lee and the Extended Family, in the summer of 2024 and it will soon be released.
Thursday, Sept. 19: An Evening with the Mike Lorenz Trio: Exploring the History of Jazz Guitar
Where: Abington Arts Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown
When: 6:30 PM cocktails / 7:30 PM show ($25 at the door)
Thursday, Sept. 19: Putty Dance Project
Where: King of Prussia Town Center, 200 Main St., King of Prussia
When: 5-7:00 PM (no cover)
About: The masterful married duo, Lauren Putty White and Brent White, blend their expertise in their respective fields to continue creating meaningful narratives through the lens of Free Jazz and dance improvisation.
Thursday, Sept. 19: Vocalist Calli Graver
Where: Stave & Stable, 232 King St., Pottstown
When: 6-9:00 PM (no cover)
About: “Jazz-flex” Vocalist Calli Graver is lighting up the room on stages both in and outside of her home base, Philadelphia. She has performed with prominent jazz figures since graduating, including Christian McBride and Peter Nero, and co-produced an original jazz suite entitled The Divine Lorraine. Graver’s newest album, The Sun’s in My Eyes, produced by Ben O’Neil (John Legend, Jill Scott) was released in September of 2022 to critical acclaim.
Thursday, Sept. 19: Chris Marsceill Trio
Where: Eddie V’s, 670 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
When: 6:30-9:30 PM (no cover)
Thursday, Sept. 19: Greg Farnese
Where: Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
When: 7:30 PM ($15 cover)
About: Greg Farnese is a modern-day throwback vocalist. He reignites the treasured and timeless classics from The Great American Songbook and blends them with his unique interpretations of modern-day favorites. A consummate performer, his soulful tone and inspired phrasing have produced a wide fan base of musicians and music lovers.
Friday, Sept. 20: Latin Jazz Social
Where: Berman Museum, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville
When: 7:30 PM (free)
About: Celebrate Montgomery County Jazz Fest with Latin Jazz by the Artists and Musicians from Latin America (AMLA). Lace up your dance shoes and head over to the Berman Lawn for a great night of dancing, delicious food, and live music. This year, the Museum is celebrating with the infectious beats of Esperanza’s Artists and Musicians from Latin America. Enjoy extended museum hours as part of the evening’s festivities, and see the work of Mexican Photographer Enrique Bostelmann on view at the Berman Museum of Art. And of course, what’s a party without good food? Philly-based artist Eugenio Salas will combine performance art and sizzling snacks at his Communal Griddle. Tables and chairs will be set up for spectators, plus there will be a Latin dance.
Friday, Sept. 20: Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos and his Buena Vista Orchestra
Where: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside
When: 8:00 PM (doors open 7:00 PM)
Tickets: purchase at Keswick Theatre
About: Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos is a Cuban Trombonist, Singer, Composer, Arranger, and Musical Director. He is known as the Composer, Arranger, and Trombonist of The Buena Vista Social Club. He has also served long stints in world-class ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban All Stars. His past musical journey and history are brought into focus throughout the critically acclaimed 1999 documentary Buena Vista Social Club and the 2017 follow-up Buena Vista Social Club: Adios.
Friday, Sept. 20: Harvest Groove Band
Where: Moody Jones Gallery, 107B Easton Rd., Glenside
When: 6-7:30 PM (no cover)
About: Harvest Groove Band is led by Bassist and Composer David Jamison. HGB plays throughout the area, most recently at the Cheltenham Juneteenth Festival and at The Royal, rocking a packed house for the Lover’s Lane Valentine’s Day Show.
Friday, Sept. 20: Greg Moore and Actual Proof featuring Geri Oliver
Where: Rivet: Canteen & Assembly, 238 E. High St., Pottstown
When: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $10 in advance at Visit Rivet or $12 at the door.
About: Greg Moore has been playing congas for over 30 years with such artists as Teddy Pendergrass, Blue Magic, and Bassist Charles Frambrough. In 2004, Moore formed Actual Proof and has performed all over the tri-state area. Actual Proof plays the best of Jazz and beyond, giving audiences an experience they will not forget.
Friday, Sept. 20: Victor North Quartet plays the music of John Coltrane
Where: The Cigar Republic, 126 Fayette St., Conshohocken
When: 8-11:00 PM ($15 Cover)
Friday, Sept. 20: Wendy Simon
Where: Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
When: 7:30 PM ($15 cover)
About: Wendy Simon is a Jazz Singer who possesses a unique combination of talents. She can bend a melody, improvise on a harmony, and at the same time, keep a rhythmical sense that makes you want to pat your foot. Her vocals share the passion and phrasings of Ella And Carmen, with a taste of modern soul. Her adventurous, innovative, and exciting approach is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Friday, Sept. 20: V. Shayne Frederick Trio
Where: Eddie V’s, 670 W DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
When: 6:30-10:30 PM (no cover)
Friday, Sept. 20: 3 for the Road
Where: The CO Lab, 107A E. Glenside Ave., Glenside
When: Doors open at 7:30 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $20 at The CO Lab Glenside
About: Join local organ jazz trio, 3 for the Road, for an evening of live jazz standards and soul.
Friday, Sept. 20: DJ Jazz Set
Where: Troubles End Brewing, 50 W. Third Ave., Collegeville
When: 7-10:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 21: Junior Jazz
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
When: 12-3:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 21: Alex Bartlett Trio
Where: Human Robot, 208-210 York Rd., Jenkintown
When:12-3:00 PM (no cover)
Saturday, Sept. 21: An Evening with Joanna Pascale
Where: Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia
When: 8:00 PM ($20 cover)
About: Lyric is paramount for internationally touring vocalist Joanna Pascale, who insists that she cannot perform a song unless she can connect personally with its lyrics. Once she’s found that connection, no one can better convey the emotion of those words more directly and intimately than Pascale. A singer of sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness, and raw emotion, Pascale is also a gifted Educator who is a member of the Vocal Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s been featured on recordings by Jeremy Pelt, Tim Warfield, Orrin Evans, Larry McKenna, the Temple University Jazz Band, and Garry Dial and Dick Oatts. Pascale currently serves as Artistic Director of the Montco Jazz Festival.
Saturday, Sept. 21: Harvesting Your Creativity with Singer/Songwriter Michelle Lordi and Author Chandra Hoffman
Where: Bryn Athyn College, 2945 College Dr., Bryn Athyn
When: Workshop from 2-5:00 PM; dinner at 5:30 PM; and concert by Michelle Lordi at 7:00 PM.
Price: Workshop/dinner/concert experience is $150; concert only is $25
About: This afternoon of artistic immersion is guided by writer Chandra Hoffman and vocalist and songwriter Michelle Lordi. The workshop will be followed by a fall farm-to-table feast and an evening of inspiring musical performance by Lordi.
Saturday, Sept. 21: Channel Collective
Where: Sizzle, 259 E. High St., Pottstown
When: 7-10:00 PM
About: Channel Collective is an ever-changing lineup of musicians led by Multi-Instrumentalist Jon Thompson and Drummer Justin Leigh. Their vision is to capture the beauty of the unexpected in the spontaneous recording of improvised and composed music. Channel Collective is about connections and untold stories through sonic explorations and dialogues.
Saturday, Sept. 21: Kevin Valentine
Where: Cardinal Hollow Winery, 1830 W. Point Park, West Point
When: 7:30 PM ($15 cover)
About: Possessing an easy, effortless style that swings, Valentine’s treatment of standards conveys an understanding of the culmination of melody, rhythm, and lyrics.
Saturday, Sept. 21: King Jazz featuring Vocalist Cindy King
Where: Daniel’s Restaurant and Bar, 16 E. First Ave., Conshohocken
When: 6-8:30 PM (no cover)
Saturday, Sept. 21: RaiSan Sings Trio
Where: Eddie V’s, 670 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
When: 6:30-10:30 PM (no cover)
Saturday, Sept. 21: A Day at the Boardwalk featuring The Charly Salinger Swing Trio
Where: Pottstown Carousel & The Cab Stand, 80 S. Charlotte St., Pottstown
When: 5-9:00 PM
Tickets: $35 (adults), $15 (kids); includes food and live music
Sunday, Sept. 22: Women in Jazz Party hosted by Key of She
Where: Hotel Main & West, 46 Fayette St., Conshohocken
About: Key of She Jazz, an organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging girls in jazz, from middle school through college and beyond, hosts this free event celebrating female jazz artists. Festivities include:
- Deborah Smith Quartet, 1-2 PM: Trombonist Smith hails from Bridgeport, Conn. Smith has graced stages from Philadelphia to New York. Her versatility shines through her roles in ensembles like the Grace Fox Big Band, and her leadership of the Deborah Smith Septet and Deborah Smith Quartet. Recognized with the Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Award in 2023, she remains dedicated to inspiring others through her boundless love for music.
- The Olivia Hughart Group, 2:30-3:30 PM: Hughart is a Jazz Saxophonist, Woodwind Doubler, Composer, Advocate, and a recent Graduate from New York University, with a major in Jazz Studies with a minor in Public Policy and Management. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Key of She. Hughart is a member of the NYChillharmonic, the Grace Fox Big Band, and the Andrew Neu Big Band, and has subbed for Triad Brass, New Heights Brass Band, and DIVA Jazz Orchestra. Hughart is a Presser Scholar, 2023 JEN Mary Jo Papich Women in Jazz Scholarship winner, 2020 Bruce Montgomery Foundation Springboard Grant Winner, and 2020 Pennsylvania Project Stream Grant winner.
- Swing Dance Lesson: 4-5:00 PM
- Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band, 5-7:00 PM: Chelsea Reed is a Jazz Vocalist, Arranger, Composer, and Bandleader living in Philadelphia. With a penchant for 20th-century swing and blues music, Reed founded Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band in October 2012. They have gone on to record four albums and tour around the world playing for swing and blues dancers. They’ve shared the stage and recorded with Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who is featured on their 2017 release Spreadin’ Rhythm Around. Their most recent album, Carolina Lullaby (2020), showcases original songs steeped in jazz, blues, and folk traditions where Reed’s vocals and swing musicality shine. Reed currently teaches jazz history and performance at Temple University.
Sunday, Sept. 22: Tony Miceli & Elijah Cole Quartet
Where: King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia
When: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (no cover)
About: Internationally renowned Jazz Vibraphonist Tony Miceli has established himself as one of the primary voices on the mallet instrument, winning hearts and minds wherever he plays. A sought-after recording artist, Miceli is an inspired Educator who delivers vibraphone master classes the world over. He is currently on faculty at Temple University, the University of Southern Mississippi, the California Jazz Conservatory, Settlement Music School, and was on faculty at the now-closed University of the Arts. At All About Jazz, Victor Schermer describes him as “a vibraphonist of astonishing virtuosity, musical resilience, and inventiveness. His vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Elijah Cole is one of the most in-demand guitarists in Philadelphia. Noted for his versatility, he comfortably moves between jazz, R&B, gospel, folk, pop, and rock, bringing his highly original voice to any musical scenario he finds himself in. He has performed at venues such as the Kimmel Center, Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, The Newport Jazz Festival, The MAD Jazz Festival, and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City.
Sunday, Sept. 22: Community Music School Celebrates: Jazz Legends
Where: Community Music School, 775 W. Main St., Trappe
When: 3:00 PM (free)
Join CMS for an afternoon of legendary music as CMS faculty celebrate jazz legends. This event is a tribute to the musicians and artists who, with their unique talents, have shaped jazz into the iconic American music genre it is today. Guests will immerse themselves in the musical improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and polyphonic ensemble playing that are the essence of jazz, as you listen to legendary standards.
Sunday, Sept. 22: Kevin Hanson Trio
Where: J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company, 227 E. High St., Pottstown
When: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (no cover)
About: Guitarist, Composer, and Educator Hanson has enjoyed a career as a musician in an array of musical circles. As a touring and recording artist in rock, jazz, RnB, and classical styles, he has delved deeply into an abundance of music and shared it with audiences the world over. His professional engagements include performances and recordings with The Roots, Jay Z, Usher, Jill Scott, Huffamoose, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, and many more. He is an active Songwriter and Session Guitarist who produces for his own band, The Fractals, and collaborates with countless artists.
Sunday, Sept. 22: Jazz Guitarist Dan Hanrahan
Where: Southern Cross Kitchen, 8 E. 1st Ave, Conshohocken
When: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (no cover)
Sunday, Sept. 22: Lou Lanza Trio
Where: Eddie V’s, 670 W. DeKalb Pike, King of Prussia
When: 6-9:00 PM(no cover)
Sunday, Sept. 22: DJ Jazz Set
Where: Troubles End Brewing, 50 W. Third Ave., Collegeville
When: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (no cover)
Additional Events
In addition to the Fest, Valley Forge Tourism will also host the Sunday Singer Series, which will take place at North Italia located at King of Prussia Mall (350 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia). These special concerts will feature artists showcasing their one-of-a-kind vocal talents for diners at North Italia on Sept. 1, 8, and 15.
For more information and the most up-to-date listing of events, visit Montco Jazz Fest.
Learn more about upcoming happenings in the Montgomery County and Valley Forge areas at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization that actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services.
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