MORRISTOWN, NJ — Once again, Morristown music enthusiasts are swapping the end-of-summer blues for live blues tunes this month, as the annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival makes its return in just a few weeks.
The annual festival, which draws large crowds to town, will once again be a one-day event on Sept. 14, from noon to 10 p.m. on the Morristown Green.
For its 2023 edition, the festival—known for featuring accomplished musicians and being a staple community event in Morris County—was initially planned as a two-day affair. However, a rainy forecast last year led organizers to scale it back to a single day.
This year’s lineup includes Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses, returning to Morristown to honor Louis Prima Sr., the legendary artist behind hits like “Sing Sing Sing,” “Jump Jive an’ Wail,” and “Just A Gigolo.”
Also performing are the hot jazz band The Hot Sardines, blues singer and guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor, Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg with his 18-piece Rock’n R&B Big Band, and the U.S. Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores.
The festival will continue its tradition of honoring its founders, Linda Smith and Michael Fabrizio, who both passed away in June 2021.
“Thanks to Mayor Tim Dougherty and the Town of Morristown, music fans of all ages will enjoy great music both on Pioneer’s Plaza, which is conveniently located on Speedwell Avenue between Headquarters Plaza and 1776, and on The Green,” event organizers said.
Admission is free, and many area eateries will be offering festival-goers deals. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax on while jamming out to some good music.
Here is this year’s performance schedule:
- 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – The Hot Sardines
- 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – The U.S. Navy Band Commodores
- 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – LaBamba‘s Rock’n R&B Big Band
- 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses
- 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Joanne Shaw Taylor
