Northampton Jazz Festival to Showcase More Than 50 Musicians on Sept. 27-28

NORTHAMPTON—The Northampton Jazz Festival will bring more than 50 musicians from around the world to downtown Northampton on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.

The weekend’s events begin with two student jazz combos from the University of Connecticut and UMass Amherst performing at Pulaski Park the afternoon of Sept. 27, followed by an evening of live jazz at breweries, bars, and restaurants throughout downtown Northampton. Free performances will continue at five locations on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The full lineup of free Northampton Jazz Festival is available at northamptonjazzfest.org.

The headliner for this year’s festival is Anat Cohen Quartetinho, performing at the Academy of Music on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Anat Cohen is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning clarinetist who has created an intimate and joyful sound with her ensemble, Quartetinho. The ensemble of virtuosos includes bassist Tal Mashiach, pianist/accordionist Vitor Gonçalves, and vibraphonist/percussionist James Shipp.

Her concert is the only ticketed event of the festival; tickets cost $35 to $55 plus ticketing fees, available at aomtheatre.com or at the Academy of Music box office Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Student tickets cost $20 plus fees.

“Anat Cohen inspired us to bring artists from countries around the world to the festival this yearm” said Ruth Griggs, president of the board of the Northampton Jazz Festival. “The magic of Quartetinho’s music springs from Anat and Tal’s Israeli roots blended with Vitor’s Brazilian influence. Combined with their virtuosity and creativity as musicians, this results in absolutely delightful music.”

Griggs said the festival board wanted to build on this and represent as many nations as possible at this year’s event, so musicians will come from India, Argentina, Cuba, Palestine, and Cameroon to downtown stages. “So we’ve themed this year’s festival ‘Jazz Without Borders.’ We think it will be a meaningful and joyful experience to hear the voices of true world musicians.”

Leading up to festival weekend, the Northampton Jazz Festival will once again partner with the Downtown Northampton Assoc. in creating Jazzy Arts Night Out on Friday, Sept. 13. Five local musicians will play at downtown locations from 5 to 8 p.m. as follows: pianist Rob Fontana at CLICK Workspace (6 to 8 p.m.), guitarist Robby Roiter at Assemble, pianist Sonny Raymond and guitarist Charlie Mitkowski at Ten Thousand Villages, vibraphonist Bruce Kelly at Michaelson’s Gallery, and singer Elena Ciampa at PINCH.

The performance schedule for all events is subject to change.

Now in its 13th year, the Northampton Jazz Festival brings more than 2,000 visitors to the city of Northampton. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation funded by local businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals, which makes it possible to provide free live music to the general public.

“We are so appreciative of our local sponsors and donors for helping to make this festival happen each and every year,” Griggs said. “In this day of ever-increasing costs, we are committed to bringing the magic of live music to folks in downtown Northampton free of charge, hoping to lift spirits and bring some joy.”

Volunteers are needed to staff the Friday and Saturday events. To take part, visit northamptonjazzfest.org/volunteer.