Jersey City is set to resonate with the vibrant sounds of Latin jazz as the 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival returns to the Exchange Place waterfront on Friday, September 5th, and Saturday, September 6th, 2025. Presented by Riverview Jazz in partnership with the Exchange Place Alliance, this highly anticipated event promises a free, two-day celebration of Afro-Cuban rhythms, masterful improvisation, and rich musical heritage.
A Weekend of Musical Excellence and Homage
The festival will feature a compelling lineup of acclaimed artists, paying tribute to two titans of Afro-Cuban music whose influence has profoundly shaped the global music landscape: the legendary Eddie Palmieri and the revered percussionist John “Dandy” Rodriguez. Both figures left an indelible mark on Latin jazz and salsa, and this year’s festival honors their immense contributions.
Headlining the Saturday performances is Grammy-nominated drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator Bobby Sanabria, performing with his acclaimed ensemble Ascensión. Known for their Pan-Latino approach, Sanabria and Ascensión explore the deep cultural and spiritual roots connecting jazz and Latin jazz continuums, blending Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and Puerto Rican traditions with avant-garde jazz.
Also gracing the Saturday stage will be the multifaceted Cuban artist Melvis Santa. A Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, pianist, and dancer, Santa masterfully fuses Afro-Cuban mysticism with jazz improvisation, drawing inspiration from her roots in Cuban Santería traditions and celebrating the Orisha deities. Her performances are renowned for their blend of rhythmic intensity and spiritual depth.
Friday’s festivities will include performances by Dave Schumacher & Cubeye, Alex “Apolo” Ayala & The Bámbula Project, and a special tribute to John “Dandy” Rodriguez with Doug Beavers’ “Titanes del Trombon.” Saturday’s lineup continues with bassist John Benitez, Chembo Corniel’s Quintet, and culminates with The Palmieri Experience, a tribute to the late Eddie Palmieri, presented by Luques Curtis.
Honoring the Giants of Latin Jazz
Eddie Palmieri, an NEA Jazz Master and ten-time Grammy Award winner, was a transformative figure whose innovative piano playing and bandleading reshaped salsa and Latin jazz. His unique fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul, coupled with socially conscious lyrics, cemented his legacy as a cultural icon. Palmieri’s passing earlier this year marks the end of an era, and the festival’s tribute will undoubtedly be a heartfelt celebration of his monumental career.
John “Dandy” Rodriguez, a celebrated percussionist and long-time member of the Tito Puente Orchestra, recently passed away in August 2024. His career spanned decades, contributing significantly to Latin music through his work with Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, and his own band, Típica ’73. His contributions are further honored through the introduction of LP instruments bearing his name. The tribute performance on Friday aims to capture the spirit and rhythmic mastery he brought to the genre.
More Than Music: A Community Gathering
As a testament to Riverview Jazz’s commitment to accessibility, the 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival is free to the public, welcoming all ages. Beyond the diverse musical performances across multiple stages, the festival grounds will feature a community zone curated by the Jersey City Free Public Library, offering arts and crafts and engaging activities for children. For those looking to move to the infectious rhythms, free Salsa dance lessons will be available throughout the day, led by local instructors.
Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food trucks and local vendors, creating a complete festival experience against the backdrop of the stunning Jersey City waterfront. The event is easily accessible via public transportation, with PATH trains and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail conveniently stopping at Exchange Place.
A Festival Rooted in Community and Culture
Riverview Jazz, a Jersey City-based non-profit, has a proven track record of bringing world-class music to the community, producing over 100 events annually, with the vast majority being free. Their mission to connect diverse audiences to the vibrant jazz scene, particularly Latin jazz which often gets overlooked, makes this festival a crucial cultural offering for the region. The Exchange Place Alliance’s continued support underscores the festival’s significance as a major annual event for Jersey City.
The 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival promises an immersive weekend celebrating the dynamism and soul of Latin jazz. It’s an opportunity to experience exceptional live music, honor musical pioneers, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere on the Jersey City waterfront.
