THE ANNUAL
MORRISTOWN JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 15, 2026

Official Festival Website: https://www.morristownjazzandblues.com/

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival on the Green on Saturday, August 16 is history and was a huge success. The free music began at noon and ran until after 9:30 and the crowd enjoyed every minute!

Thanks to Mayor Tim Dougherty and the many generous sponsors (see list), music fans of all ages enjoyed great music and gorgeous August weather.

Festival producer Don Jay Smith was still recovering from injuries, but was there the entire time and was ecstatic with the Festival. “Today was a huge success and we had a large crowd all day.”

As always, there were no vendors allowed so attendees brought picnics or patronized local establishments which were busy for the entire day! With the Dani G opening at noon through Blues Star Samantha Fish closing that night, everyone was treated to an exceptional day of music!

Artist Lineup

James Langton New York All-Star Big Band featuring Dan Levinson
Noon – 1:30

Critic Will Friedwald wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “I’ve been to dozens, if not hundreds, of Benny Goodman tributes… This was the best. Ever.” Led by saxophonist and vocalist James Langton and clarinetist Dan Levinson, and featuring the vocals of Molly Ryan, this ensemble brings together some of the very best big band jazz musicians in the area. They have played at Lincoln Center, the Rainbow Room, Swing 46, Birdland, The Cutting Room, and many other well-known venues. You will hear original charts from Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, and Count Basie plus many others. This big band captures the sound of the Swing Era as well as any group you have heard.

Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet
2:00 – 3:30

Latin Jazz makes its long overdue debut on our stage – and what a way to arrive! Led by the magnificent drummer/bandleader and movie producer Richard Baratta, the Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet features an all-star cast of musicians including pianist and arranger Bill O’Connell, saxophonist Craig Handy, guitarist Paul Bollenbeck, bassist Michael Goetz, percussionist Paul Rossman, and vocalist Carroll Scott. Enjoy a mix of Latin Jazz standards as well as unexpected reimaginings of tunes such as Lennon & McCartney’s “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” or Jorge Ben’s “Mas Que Nada.” This Grammy nominated group will deliver a performance that is both virtuosic and fun. You don’t want to miss these top-notch musicians!

LaBamba and the Hubcaps
4:00 – 5:30

Then at four, New Jersey’s own LaBamba and the Hubcaps take the stage for their popular style of jazz, blues and funk. Led by former (and long-time) Conan O’Brien band member Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, this explosive ensemble has been a fixture on the Asbury Park music scene for many years. LaBamba got his start with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, but quickly became one of the most sought-after horn men around, leading Bruce Springsteen’s Miami Horns at the Super Bowl, and joining Jon Bon Jovi for his noted White House appearance. A Hubcaps reunion is always a big event, particularly when the exciting Mark Pender joins on trumpet.

Dylan Triplett
6:00 – 7:30

Dylan Triplett is an emerging blues force from St. Louis with an explosive four-and-a-half-octave range that stops audiences in their tracks. A 2023 Blues Award winner, he channels classic blues roots through a sound unmistakably his own — raw talent matched with magnetic stage presence. In 2024, Triplett joined the prestigious Experience Hendrix Tour, sharing the stage with legends including Taj Mahal, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, and Eric Johnson. The tour sparked a creative partnership with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, cementing his place among the genre’s most exciting voices. His debut album on Red Zero Records drops this year.

To Be Announced
8:00 – 9:30

Unfortunately, we cannot announce our eight o’clock blues artist until June 29 because she or he has contractual obligations which prevent us from doing so. However, you don’t want to miss this great artist so plan to stay and enjoy great jazz and blues all day!