Steve Turre
JazzFest White Plains’ September 14 closing event relocates this year to the heart of downtown’s restaurant row. The new location on Mamaroneck Avenue between E. Post Road and Maple Avenue places the free closing event of the five-day festival on a block hosting more than a dozen bars and restaurants, many of which offer sidewalk dining. Jazz al fresco specials include a free mimosa with the purchase of a brunch entrée at the Hudson Grille and beer bucket specials like five domestic beers for $25 at the Lazy Boy Saloon.
JazzFest White Plains begins on Sept. 10, and it offers 18 live performances over five days from emerging talent to GRAMMY Award winners. The closing Sunday event from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. includes performances by the Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music (12:30 p.m.); April May Webb with Sounds of A&R (1:45 p.m.); Pete Malinerni & His Invisible Cities Quintet (3:15 p.m.); and Chembo Corniel Quintet (4:45 p.m.).
The headlining performance is by the Steve Turre Sextet (6:15 p.m.). Turre, renowned for his trombone and seashell mastery, has recorded more than 20 albums, and he is best known for playing in the Saturday Night Live band since 1985.
The relocated finale aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of a separate downtown music event—the Wednesday evening Rock the Block summer series at the same block—which is surrounded by municipal parking lots.
“Each Rock the Block dining concert gets bigger than the last, so it’s a concept that works well, and the restaurants are very enthusiastic about it, “said Jennifer Furioli, executive director of the White Plains Business Improvement District. “This block has become known for music and food, and we’re excited to bring JazzFest to the same location.”
Besides the free entertainment, there is a community-building element.
“We’re going to have lots of little conversation corners on the block with Adirondack chairs and moveable bistro tables. As our downtown residential community continues to grow, we want people to come and really get to know their new neighbors,” said Furioli.
JazzFest 2025 also boasts an exceptional lineup of five ticketed concerts featuring some of the most acclaimed names in jazz, including Wycliffe Gordon Quintet; the Jazz & Poetry Choir Collective; Kurt Elling; Immanuel Wilkins; and Kenny Barron. JazzFest 2025 is presented by Montefiore Einstein in collaboration with ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and the White Plains Business Improvement District.
For a complete 5-day schedule, performer lineup, and ticket information, visit: https://artswestchester.org/programs/jazzfest-whiteplains/
