The musicians are headliners at jazz clubs in New York and at festivals around the world, and every autumn they make a pilgrimage to South Orange. Billed as "Giants of Jazz," the performers this year included trumpeter Roy Hargrove, the brothers Jimmy and Tootie Heath, and pianist Geri Allen.

There were beautiful quiet moments on Saturday night, like a soulful ballad featuring saxophonist Frank Wess and pianist Barry Harris. There were the driving rhythms of the evening’s guest of honor, bandleader Randy Weston, highlighted by the percussive deep bass lines by Alex Blake.

One reason the concert draws such top talent is because of the community’s own stable of well recognized performers. That included drummer TS Monk and saxophonist Don Braden, who returns this weekend to perform at the West Orange club Cecil’s.

In an evening full of highlights, the performances at South Orange Middle School are topped only by the impromptu jam session at the after-party for the musicians at the Baird. With jazz greats like trumpeter Roy Hargrove trading solos, and veteran saxophonist Gary Bartz blending with young musicians like Sharel Cassity, a community hall transforms into a late-night club where both the jazz standards and food have soul.

The concert’s co-producers, bassist John Lee and Judy Wukitsch, the assistant director for cultural affairs at the Baird, graciously give of their time and talents to provide the community with the jazz festival. Proceeds help fund the free summer concert series. The week’s events also included an intimate conversation with John Lee before his set at Papillon 25 on Thursday. Lee talked about his career playing with Dizzy Gillespie and the logistics of putting on Giants of Jazz with an Adult School audience of jazz lovers, writers and artists.

All of which sets up for an annual rite of autumn in South Orange: Sleepy Sunday, the day after the Giants of Jazz all-nighter. 

Marilyn Lehren is the Communications Coordinator for the Adult School.