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Monterey Jazz Festival 68: Intersection of Jazz and Joy

October 13, 2025

The 68th Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) successfully fulfilled its original mission by bringing together diverse jazz talents across five stages at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The festival featured renowned veterans including Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, and Carmen Lundy alongside emerging artists like Dominique Fils-Aimé, Ledisi, and Grace Kelly. Performances ranged from Mississippi blues by Mr. Sipp to New Orleans-style celebrations with Trombone Shorty, while also showcasing young musicians through the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and Women in Jazz Combo.

Who is affected

  • Festival attendees and music fans
  • Diverse jazz artists (established and emerging)
  • Young musicians in the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and Women in Jazz Combo
  • High school students from across the country
  • The broader Monterey community
  • Returning patrons like San Diegans Cathy and Dan Funk

What action is being taken

  • The Monterey Jazz Festival is actively showcasing diverse jazz talent across five stages
  • The festival is continuing its mission to elevate jazz, connect communities, and inspire young musicians
  • Artists are performing across various jazz styles and traditions
  • The festival is featuring both veteran performers and emerging voices
  • The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and Women in Jazz Combo are providing platforms for talented high school students

Why it matters

  • The festival fulfills its 68-year-old mission to celebrate America's cultural heritage through jazz
  • It provides a platform for both established jazz legends and emerging artists
  • The event fosters community connection through music appreciation
  • The festival inspires and develops young musicians to continue the jazz legacy
  • It creates meaningful experiences that keep attendees returning year after year
  • The event preserves and evolves diverse jazz traditions, from blues to New Orleans-style

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint