For over six decades, critics and journalists from around the world have praised Monterey Jazz for its rich history, unforgettable performances, and commitment to pushing jazz forward. Don’t just take our word for it—read what the press has to say! We are honored.
- “The greatest jazz festival in the world happens in our backyard.” — San Francisco Chronicle
- “…one of the genre’s most beloved and globally praised annual events…” – Mercury News
- “…the prevailing anchor for West Coast jazz pride.” – New York Times
- “It’s a mood, a party, a tribal gathering, an improvisation and a cultural colossus.” – Mercury News
- “…a real connection between the artists and the audience…” – NPR
- “…the best weekend of jazz you’re ever going to witness.” – Monterey Herald
- “…willfully diverse festival, seeking to touch on the necessarily disparate threads, grooves and genres under the current jazz umbrella. The Monterey County Fairgrounds is duly transformed into a jazz village for a September weekend each year…” – Santa Barbara Independent
- “There was great music in every nook and cranny of the fairground…the festival’s long running success is this: the sense of family that engulfs you from the moment you step foot onto the fairgrounds.” — Huffington Post
- “Of all the festivals I have attended…this is by far the most welcoming and accessible. At the same time, it remains a well-respected hub of the bleeding edge of jazz music today. This is definitely the place to go if you are either completely inexperienced with jazz and want to learn more, or if you’re a seasoned expert.” – SF Bands and Music Magazine
