Jersey City is set to host the much-anticipated 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration of music and culture taking place on Friday, September 5th, and Saturday, September 6th, 2025. The festival, held at the scenic Exchange Place Plaza on the Hudson River waterfront, promises an extensive lineup of free performances, paying special tribute to two titans of Afro-Cuban music: the recently departed maestro Eddie Palmieri and the legendary percussionist John “Dandy” Rodriguez.
This year’s event, presented by Riverview Jazz in partnership with the Exchange Place Alliance, aims to honor the indelible mark left by both Palmieri and Rodriguez on the global music scene. Eddie Palmieri, a dynamic musical innovator, composer, and bandleader, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Known as “El Maestro,” Palmieri was a ten-time Grammy Award winner, celebrated for his revolutionary fusion of Latin rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul, and for founding the groundbreaking band La Perfecta. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the landscape of salsa and Latin jazz, earning him a place as a true cultural icon.
John “Dandy” Rodriguez, a renowned bongo player, also left an immense legacy in the Latin music industry. A long-time collaborator with legends such as Tito Puente and Ray Barretto, Rodriguez was also a co-founder of the influential band Típica 73. His extensive career, spanning over three decades, saw him play with an array of iconic artists and contribute significantly to the development and popularization of Latin jazz and salsa. His passing in August 2024 marked the loss of a foundational figure in contemporary Latin jazz.
The festival’s musical program is set to feature an impressive roster of talent, with many past members of the honorees’ bands participating in special tribute performances. On Friday, September 5th, the Plaza Stage will come alive with performances by Dave Schumacher & Cubeye (6 PM), Alex “Apolo” Ayala & The Bámbula Project (7 PM), and Circle 9 Presents: Doug Beavers’ “Titanes del Trombón” tribute to John “Dandy” Rodriguez (8 PM). The Courtyard Stage will host Alex “Apolo” Ayala and The Bambula Project.
Saturday, September 6th, will offer a full day of music and family-friendly activities. The day begins with children’s programming from 2 PM to 6 PM, presented by the Jersey City Free Public Library, including arts & crafts and bucket drum lessons. The music lineup includes the United Children’s Music Project Latin Jazz Ensemble (2 PM), the WBGO Music for Kids series featuring trombonist Juanga Lakunza’s History of the Clave (3 PM), John Benitez (4 PM), and Chembo Corniel’s Quintet (5 PM). The evening will feature a performance by Bobby Sanabria and his group Ascension (6 PM), followed by Jersey City resident Melvis Santa (7 PM), and closing the festival will be The Palmieri Experience, presented by Luques Curtis, at 8 PM.
The 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival aims to be a comprehensive cultural experience, offering more than just music. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and Salsa dance lessons provided by Salsa Fever on2. The event is free to the public, making it an accessible celebration for all ages and a significant contribution to the cultural fabric of Jersey City. The festival’s location at Exchange Place Plaza, a key waterfront destination, further enhances its appeal, providing a picturesque backdrop for the celebration of Latin music and its rich heritage.
This significant event underscores Jersey City’s growing reputation as a hub for arts and culture, providing a platform to honor legendary artists and showcase the vibrant evolution of Latin jazz and salsa music. The festival serves as a crucial gathering point for the music industry and enthusiasts alike, celebrating the enduring spirit and infectious rhythms that define this beloved genre.
