Jersey City, NJ – The vibrant sounds of Latin jazz will fill the air along the Hudson River waterfront as the 2nd Annual Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival returns on Friday, September 5th, and Saturday, September 6th, 2025. This year’s highly anticipated event, set to take place at Exchange Place Plaza, will pay special tribute to two titans of Afro-Cuban music whose passing has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape: pianist and bandleader Eddie Palmieri and percussionist John “Dandy” Rodriguez.
Presented by Riverview Jazz and the Exchange Place Alliance, the festival offers a free, two-day celebration of jazz and its rich connections to Latin American rhythms. Attendees can expect multiple stages, food trucks, salsa dance lessons, and family-friendly activities, promising a comprehensive cultural experience for all.
Honoring Musical Icons
Eddie Palmieri, a visionary pianist, composer, and bandleader, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Known for his dynamic and percussive piano style, Palmieri was a groundbreaking innovator who masterfully fused jazz harmonies with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, significantly shaping the salsa and Latin jazz genres. He founded influential ensembles such as La Perfecta, which pioneered a trombone-heavy sound, and garnered ten Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career, including the first Grammy ever awarded for best Latin recording. His adventurous spirit and profound musicality earned him the admiration of musicians and fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as a true maestro.
Also honored at the festival is John “Dandy” Rodriguez, a legendary bongo player who passed away on August 17, 2024, at age 78. Rodriguez was a cornerstone of Latin music for decades, most notably as the long-time bongosero for the iconic Tito Puente Orchestra. His rhythmic prowess also graced the bands of Tito Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, and he was a co-founder of the influential Típica 73. Rodriguez’s contributions extended beyond his playing; he was instrumental in advancing Latin percussion and was honored with signature LP percussion instruments. His career was a testament to the power and soul of Latin percussion, inspiring countless artists.
A Stellar Musical Lineup
The festival’s programming is designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Latin jazz, featuring a curated selection of 10 bands and special tribute performances. On Friday, September 5th, the Plaza Stage will feature Dave Schumacher & Cubeye at 6:00 PM, followed by Alex “Apolo” Ayala & The Bámbula Project at 7:00 PM, who are known for their innovative blend of jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican traditions. The evening will culminate with Doug Beavers’ “Titanes del Trombón,” a special tribute dedicated to the memory of John “Dandy” Rodriguez, starting at 8:00 PM.
Saturday, September 6th, will offer a full day of music, beginning with family-oriented programming. Highlights include performances by the United Children’s Music Project Latin Jazz Ensemble and the WBGO Music for Kids series. Later in the day, acclaimed bassist John Benitez will lead his ensemble, followed by the energetic Chembo Corniel’s Quintet. The evening will feature a performance by the Grammy-nominated percussionist Bobby Sanabria with his group Ascension, known for their compelling Pan-Latino approach to Latin jazz. Cuban-born pianist and vocalist Melvis Santa will also perform before the festival closes with a special tribute to Eddie Palmieri, “The Palmieri Experience,” led by bassist Luques Curtis, who shared many years performing with the maestro. This tribute will feature many musicians who were integral to Palmieri’s celebrated musical journey.
A Community Celebration
As a free event, the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival underscores Riverview Jazz’s commitment to making high-quality music accessible to the community. The Exchange Place waterfront provides a picturesque setting for this cultural gathering, drawing music lovers from across the tri-state area and beyond. The festival serves not only as a platform for contemporary Latin jazz artists but also as a vital space to remember and celebrate the foundational figures whose work continues to shape the genre. This showcase of Latin music promises a weekend filled with rich rhythms, soulful melodies, and an appreciation for the enduring legacy of its honorees. The event’s accessibility and comprehensive programming make it a must-attend for enthusiasts of jazz, salsa, and Afro-Cuban music, offering a vibrant testament to the power of music to connect and inspire.
