Inwood Jazz Festival

The Inwood Jazz Festival is a Free annual celebration of jazz music and culture. We bring together renowned and emerging jazz artists from all over the country to share their talents with the community. Our festival is a platform for local jazz musicians to perform alongside some of the best in the industry.

FESTIVAL MORNING KICKOFF
Bruce’s Garden – 11 Park Terrace East Entrance, Isham Park, NY 10034

Interactive Children’s Workshop (Ages 1–8)
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM​​
Led by the joyful and dynamic Kevin Nathaniel,
this immersive session invites little ones to
experience jazz through rhythm,
movement, and song!

MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
Pat’s Lawn – Inwood Hill Park
(Corner of W. 218th St. & Indian Road)
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Kevin Nathaniel & Spirit
Afro-Caribbean rhythms meet spiritual jazz in an energetic opening set.
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Melvis Santa & Jazz Orishas
Cuban-rooted jazz with Yoruba soul.
A powerful voice and vision.
​​
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Akua Dixon Quartette Indigo
Trailblazing string ensemble led by
jazz cellist-composer-conductor-educator,
Akua Dixon.
​​
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Stefon Harris + Blackout
Renowned composer, educator and globally acclaimed
vibraphonist, with an impressive track record for jazz
education, delivers a fusion of jazz, funk, and soul.



FESTIVAL AFTER-PARTY & JAM SESSION
Inwood Farm Restaurant
(Corner of W. 218th St. & Indian Road)
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Melvin “Tiger” Vines Sextet
Harlem’s legendary jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader,
painter and sculptor of St. Nick’s Pub & Paris Blues
fame, brings fire to the evening groove.
Audience participation encouraged!
Bring your voice, horn, or sticks.
Everyone’s welcome
on the bandstand!

Hispanic Society: Cine al Fresco – El Mariachi

Join us on Audubon Terrace for a month of exciting programming highlighting the richness and diversity of Hispanic cultural heritage.

The festivities kick off with the return of our annual film series Cine al Fresco, New York’s only free outdoor film series dedicated to Spanish and Latin American cinema, produced in collaboration with Inwood Art Works.

Every Thursday in September enjoy a different cinematic classic under the stars with special pre-show live performances.

This year’s lineup includes:

Robert Rodriguez’ gritty neo-Western El Mariachi (September 26th).

The pre-show performances begin at 6pm, with the films starting at 7pm.

Inwood Jazz Festival Kickoff Jam Session!

JOIN US FOR THE
IJF Kickoff Jam Session!

START THE CELEBRATION EARLY!

On the evening before the main event, we’re hosting our very first Pre-Festival Kickoff Jam Session… an open, spirited gathering of musicians and jazz lovers.

DATE: Saturday, September 20, 2025
TIME: 5-7 PM

LOCATION:
Inwood Farm Restaurant
600 W. 218th St.
New York, NY 10034

QUESTIONS?
Contact our Session Hosts,
Millie Gibson and Lou Bruno, at:
milliegmusic@gmail.com
louisbruno037@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there!
TEAM IJF

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