Sunday Jazz Fest Will Be Biggest Ever

"This may be the largest gathering of such high-caliber local jazz musicians ever," said Marcy Thompson, co-organizer. "This year, everyone wanted to do the show - so we had to make it longer."

The Maplewood Jazz Fest, which takes place Sunday, July 25th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, will be presented in the outdoor amphitheater at Memorial Park (across from the train station). Presented by Maplewood Summer Music, the show will feature top-notch musicians who tour internationally. Many of them also appear regularly in New York's best jazz spots and Broadway orchestras. The best part of all: the event is free!

In addition to the Jazz music all-stars, recent Columbia High School grad Allison Phillips will be sitting in with the Bob Crisci trio. "She plays the trumpet and she's phenomenal," said Thompson. "Everyone in this town should know how great she is."

Tricia Tunstall, who is a co-organizer for the event and former Cultural Affairs Director in Maplewood, said the Fest will offer something for everyone. "Whatever your favorite kind of jazz happens to be -- hot or cool, funky or swinging -- you will be sure to find it in Memorial Park on Sunday," she said.  "We are hoping that everyone will bring friends, bring a picnic, and settle in for an evening of dazzling music in the key of summer."

The rain site for Jazz Fest is the Maplewood Community Center at DeHart Park, 120 Burnett Avenue in Maplewood.

Here is the show's line up:

Soul Jazztet: Bill Tally, piano, Marc Ferranti, tenor, Devin Leonard, trumpet, Jean-Louis Saillot, bass, Richard Lee, drums

 Greg Rivkin Quartet: Greg Rivkin, trumpet,Vic Juris, guitar, Ed Howard, bass, Peppe Merola, drums

Holli Ross Quartet: Holli Ross, vocals,Rich Eisenstein, drums, Mark Peterson, bass, Rich DeRosa, drums

Jazz Collective: Tricia Woods, piano, Deandre Hampton, tenor sax, Ben Williams, trombone, Gregory Jones, bass, Christian Finger, drums

Courtney Sappington: Courtney Sappington, guitar, Darren Solomon, keyboard, Mike Karn, bass, Christian Finger, drums

Dan Crisci Quartet: Dan Crisci, Piano, Josh Rubin, guitar, Jim Buchanan, bass, Bruce Jackson, drums, special guest:  Alison Phillips, trumpet

Bob DeVos Trio: Bob DeVos, guitar, Dan Kostelnik, Hammond B-3 organ, Steve Johns, drums

Sarah Partridge Sextet: Sarah Partridge, vocals, Tricia Woods, piano, Bob DeVos, guitar, Ben Williams, trombone, Greg Jones, bass, Steve Johns, drums

Maplewood Summer Music is sponsored by the Maplewood Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.