Jazz Currents

  After all these years, walking through the gates of the Monterey Fairgrounds still gives me chills. There’s something about the mix of salty coastal air, the smell of food stands, the low hum of people tuning up instruments, and the memories of the many "Monterey Moments" of legendary performances. The 68th Monterey Jazz Festival (Sept. 26–28, 2025) brought all the familiar magic — great music, good vibes, and that sense that you’re part of something much bigger than just a weekend of concerts. Friday: The Return of Dizzy’s Den and a Night of Legends Friday kicked off with a beautiful bit of symmetry — a father-and-son duo , John and Gerald Clayton , reopening Dizzy’s Den , which had been closed since the pandemic. That room has always been one of Monterey’s most intimate spaces. The Claytons filled it with warmth and soul. It felt like a reunion — not just for the music, but for everyone who’s missed those small-room moments that make Monterey special. Later that even...

The 67th Monterey Jazz Festival presented a dynamic musical celebration of jazz which respected traditional music while embracing modern creative approaches. The 2024 festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds presented Herbie Hancock and Dianne Reeves alongside Samara Joy and Immanuel Wilkins and DOMi & JD Beck in outstanding performances. The festival maintained its inclusive programming and intimate setting which allowed jazz fans from different generations to unite through music. The festival paid tribute to Wayne Shorter through a tribute performance while Terri Lyne Carrington led a jam session between different generations of musicians and the Garden Stage hosted late-night performances that kept audiences dancing until the sun went down. Image Gallery from the 67TH Monterey Jazz Festival The 68th Monterey Jazz Festival scheduled for September 26–28, 2025 will uphold its tradition by presenting a combination of exceptional artistic performances and innovative musical approa...