The first ever Tilles Jazz Fest was announced today, produced by Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
The one-day event will take place on four stages including Tilles Center’s Concert Hall, across the beautiful Long Island University Post campus on July 20 with performances from 1 pm into the late evening.
Saxophonist, and one of the most influential and revered figures in jazz, Branford Marsalis headlines the event in a 7:30 pm concert in Tilles Center’s Concert Hall.
The NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony nominee will perform with his celebrated quartet. Eight other concerts will take place on stages across the verdant Long Island University Post campus, with outdoor Great Lawn and Rose Garden locations, as well as within the historic Winnick House, the original Post estate home.
Along with Marsalis, participating artists include Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble, a special project comprised of a stellar team of jazz musicians featuring Tia Fuller, Dawn Clement, Mimi Jones and Jeff Lederer; innovative harpist Brandee Younger; rising star pianist Sean Mason and his Quartet; lyrical and swinging trombonist Mariel Bildstein; young jazz vibraphonist Jalen Baker leading his Duo; vocalist and composer Georgia Heers; and student ensembles.
Tilles Center Executive and Artistic Director Tom Dunn, said, “We’re thrilled to unveil this first-ever and first-annual landmark event. In collaboration with our friends at Jazz at Lincoln Center, we’re set to transform the beautiful LIU Post campus into a vibrant hub of music and fun on July 20. It promises to be an unforgettable day for our entire community to celebrate summer with the joy of live jazz.”
In an event for the whole family, gates open at noon on July 20, with the first performance starting at 1 pm, and additional shows throughout the day.
Seating for all daytime events is general admission, and attendees are invited to bring picnics, blankets, and chairs. A jazz second line, led by trombonist Mariel Bildstein, will conclude the daytime festivities that also include an instrument petting zoo, food trucks, and local artisans.
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Georgina Javor, vice president of Concerts and Touring, said, “We’re so pleased to extend our long-standing collaboration with Tilles Center to create this exciting new event, and the lineup of artists are a who’s who of established and upcoming talent.”
Dunn concluded, “Tilles Center continues to expand our connection with our community in new and exciting ways.
Thanks to our sponsors Sandy and Eric Krasnoff for their leadership support of LIU and Tilles Center’s Jazz Initiatives, our Jazz Fest outdoor Main Stage sponsor Dime Bank, and of course our 2023/24 Season Sponsor Catholic Health and many more contributors and patrons, our long-planned goal of launching a world-class summer jazz festival for our great Long Island community is becoming a reality.”
Tickets are on sale now to members and aubscribers through the Tilles Center Tantleff box office and go on sale to the general public on April 18t through all channels. “Daytime” Passes include admission to the grounds and all events before 7pm (Adults $55, 18 & Under $20). “All Event”
Passes provide access to day events plus reserved seats for the evening Branford Marsalis performance (Regular Price $110, 18 & Under $75). “Evening Only” tickets are available for the Branford Marsalis event with individual ticket prices beginning at $35. Tilles Center Members & Subscribers save 10% off regular adult ticket prices.
Tickets for Tilles Center shows can be purchased online at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com, in-person at Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office or by telephone at 516.299.3100. The box office, located at 720 Northern Boulevard (Route 25A) in Brookville, New York, is open Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. Fees are associated with all orders. There are no refunds.
Tilles Jazz Fest is sponsored by Sandy and Eric Krasnoff, Catholic Health, and Dime Bank. With additional support was provided by Lisa and Brian Land and Jessica Brassler and George Kakoulides.