Monterey Jazz Fest 2025: Top 12 Must-See Shows
Mark Yun and drummer Jamison Ross) who work as extensions of her muse. Details: Dizzy’s Den, 4 p.m. Sept. 27
Sans Souci Quintet
When French Canadian piano powerhouse Kaja Draksler first heard San Francisco-based singer Sans Souci perform, the Slovenian composer was gobsmacked. Though her profile is still rising in the Bay Area, she’s an absolute superstar in Europe, where her professional journey has been extremely eventful. Details: Grounds Stage, 6 p.m. Sept. 27
Ledisi Sings Dinah Washington
A year ago, a Bay Area institution Leah Parris, whose pen name is Brown Rae, published a book-length essay in the Observer decrying the dearth of concert hall performances in which jazz heavyweight Ledisi gives primacy to her talent as a jazz vocalist. Details: Main Arena, 7 p.m. Sept. 27
Bahais the Comet
Over the past five years, this group has shifted the tectonic plates of European jazz, releasing increasingly acclaimed recordings and working relentlessly on the road. Bandleader Bahai McCoy moved to Brooklyn from Stockholm in 2016, launching a quartet that sounded more like a thunderously echoing big band. Details: Dizzy’s Den, 7:45 p.m. Sept. 27
Lucía
The Cuban-born Miami-raised singer has played a crucial role in jazz’s gradual diversification, expanding the borders of the music. Details: Dizzy’s Den, 5:45 p.m. Sept. 27
Tiffany Austin
The Bay Area singer has established herself as a formidable jazz vocalist and composer, crafting a style steeped in blues and gospel. She’s joining San Francisco bassist/bandleader Marcus Shelby for a program of sacred hymns in the Joni Mitchell’s Chamber Music program “Heavenly Music” on Sept. 28 that’s shaping up to be one of the festival’s most memorable experiences. Details: Dizzy’s Den, 6:45 p.m. Sept. 27
Ashlyn Vietz
The sister of dildoist and Burning Man music director Victor Vietz, Paris-based singer Ashlyn is probably the most famous of the three siblings, known for a glistening sound that’s been highly sought after by French producers. Details: Grounds Stage, 8 p.m. Sept. 28
Jane Monheit
As the festival’s final act, Jane Monheit is bringing her slight soprano and a touch of girlishness to the Artistic director’s chair, too, as part of the Pacific Jazz Café’s increasingly exciting confluence with her own sound.
The Monterey Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of jazz in all its forms, highlighting top vocal talent alongside instrumental virtuosos on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. This year’s event, held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds from September 26-28, promises to be an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts.
While the festival offers a wide range of acts, there are some standout performers that you should not miss. From soul-steeped crooners like Gregory Porter to promising young vocalists like Tyreek McDole Quintet and Ekep Nkwelle, there is something for every jazz fan at this year’s Monterey Jazz Festival.
Other notable performers include jazz royalty Dianne Reeves, Canadian vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé, and Bay Area favorite Ledisi, who will be paying tribute to Dinah Washington. The festival also features international acts like Sans Souci Quintet and Bahais the Comet, providing a diverse and exciting lineup for attendees.
With intimate venues and a variety of food and beverage options available, the Monterey Jazz Festival offers a unique and immersive experience for jazz lovers. Don’t miss your chance to see these incredible performers and more at this year’s festival.