Monterey Jazz News & Notes

From legendary performances to groundbreaking new voices, Monterey Jazz continues to honor its rich history while embracing the future of jazz and ensuring new generations engage. Stay connected for stories, artist spotlights, and insights into the music that keeps Monterey swinging—unforgettable, inspiring and timeless.

Herbie and Carter card

June 25, 2026

MJF69 Stories

Only in Monterey: Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter Reunite

When Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter convene in the Arena at MJF69 on September 27, they will close a loop that began in 1963 and 1964 and intersected again in 1992 on the same…

Logo

May 8, 2026

Press Releases

69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival Single-Day Tickets On Sale Today, Friday, May 8

Only in Monterey Events Include Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter Duo, 2026 Commission “America 250” by Meshell Ndegeocello, and Amy Tan & Joey Alexander…

Monterey Jazz 2026 Logo

April 8, 2026

Press Releases

69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival Package Tickets on Sale Friday, April 10

Headliners Include Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter Duo; Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; Charles Lloyd Quartet; Ravi Coltrane Quartet; Cécile…

The text 'Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces!' on top of bright shapes

September 23, 2025

Past MJF Stories

Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces: Davina & The Vagabonds and Lucía

New Names, Familiar Faces, One Epic Festival! The legends you love are back — and they’re bringing tomorrow’s greats with them. Get acquainted with icons, innovators,…

The text 'Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces!' on top of bright shapes

July 17, 2025

Past MJF Stories

Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces: Mr. Sipp and JC Smith

New Names, Familiar Faces, One Epic Festival! The legends you love are back — and they’re bringing tomorrow’s greats with them. Get acquainted with icons, innovators,…

Closeup of a group of people standing around overlaid with the text 'A Festival is Born'

July 17, 2025

Past MJF Stories

A Festival is Born (1958)

After the success of the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island beginning in 1954, Jimmy Lyons and Ralph Gleason combined Rolodexes in 1956 and contacted the jazz elite…

The text 'Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces!' on top of bright shapes

June 10, 2025

Past MJF Stories

Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces: Dianne Reeves & Brandon Woody

New Names, Familiar Faces, One Epic Festival! The legends you love are back — and they’re bringing tomorrow’s jazz greats with them. In this new blog series,  get…

The text 'Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces!' on top of bright shapes

May 14, 2025

Past MJF Stories

Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces: Christian McBride & Grace Kelly

New Names, Familiar Faces, One Epic Festival! The legends you love are back — and they’re bringing tomorrow’s jazz greats with them. In this new blog series,  get…

68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival logo for 2025

April 11, 2025

Press Releases

68th Monterey Jazz Festival Presents Lineup of Returning Favorites and New Faces

ARTISTS INCLUDE PETE ESCOVEDO, LEDISI, DELFEAYO MARSALIS, CHRISTIAN McBRIDE, GREGORY PORTER, DIANNE REEVES, TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE, and MANY MORE! 3-Day…