The first ever Tilles Jazz Fest comes to life July 20, in a one-day outdoor and indoor event hosted on the beautiful Long Island University Post campus on July 20.

Nine concerts will take place from 1 pm to 10 pm, including a traditional New Orleans style “second line” parade around the festival grounds. Produced by Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the festival features eight of the hottest established and rising stars in jazz, including headliner Branford Marsalis and his Quartet, Long Islander Matt Wilson and his Good Trouble project, Hempstead native Brandee Younger, and more celebrated artists.

Student ensembles from Long Island University, Sea Cliff, and two area high schools will also perform. Attendees are encouraged to picnic on the lawn and enjoy food trucks and fun activities throughout the day.

Nine professional concerts will take place throughout the day and into the evening on four stages across the verdant Long Island University Post campus.

Two outdoor venues include the Dime Mainstage on the Great Lawn, and the charming and idyllic Rose Garden.

Intimate performances will be held inside the historic Winnick House, the original home of American breakfast cereal inventor Charles William Post, and his daughter Marjorie Merriweather Post. The final show of the evening will take place indoors at Tilles Center’s Krasnoff Theater.

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.

Daytime festivities include food trucks such as Green Street Eatery, and Demi’s Spot Food Truck; local artisans and vendors, including Rosie’s Vintage selling vinyl albums and vintage goods; and an “instrument petting zoo” perfect for kids.

In partnership with Nassau County Tourism, a limited number of ticket packages including a free express bus to and from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Columbus Circle home in New York City will be made available.

Departure times from NYC and Tilles Center will be timed for day pass and evening show attendance. To take advantage, patrons must reserve bus tickets by purchasing packages online or through the box office.

Tilles Center’s executive and artistic director, Tom Dunn, remarked, “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.”

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Georgina Javor, vice president 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.”

Participating artists include:

NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony nominee Branford Marsalis and his Quartet headline at 7:30 pm in Tilles Center’s Krasnoff Theatre. Known for his versatility across genres, compositions, and commitment to education, mentorship, and community,

Marsalis leads on tenor and soprano sax, with pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner rounding out the group.

After more than three decades of minimal personnel changes, including a stint as house band on The Tonight Show, the ensemble is revered for its unique interpretation of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

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. Wilson formerly served as a faculty member at LIU and curated the Jazz on Stage series at Tilles Center.

He is also the recipient of many awards and accolades and has performed with a veritable who’s who of jazz greats. Matt’s group can be found on the Dime Mainstage at 3 pm.

Innovative harpist and Hempstead native Brandee Younger was named winner of DownBeat Critics Poll in the category of “Rising Star” harpist and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, making history as the first black woman to be nominated in that category. Younger plays in the Rose Garden at 4 pm.

Rising star pianist Sean Mason is a Juilliard graduate and recently released his debut album “The Southern Suite” in October 2023. Noted for his unique voice steeped in the sound of the South, he brings his eponymous Sean Mason Quartet to the Dime Mainstage at 5 pm.

Lyrical and swinging trombonist Mariel Bildsten has earned global distinction through her performances with classic and modern jazz greats.

Her arrangements and originals celebrate the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and more. Mariel appears in Winnick House at 4 pm and will also lead a jazz second line across the campus at 5:45 pm.

Young jazz vibraphonist Jalen Baker has received accolades including outstanding soloist at two festivals and was named as a member of the Chicago Next Gen Allstars by the Chicago Jazz Institute.

His album “This is Me. This is Us.” was chosen as the #4 Best Jazz Debut in 2021. The Jalen Baker Duo plays at 2 pm in the Winnick House.

Georgia Heers is a vocalist and composer, and a graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory, and The Juilliard School.

Her voice has taken her to many legendary venues across New York, including Dizzy’s Minton’s Playhouse, Smalls and many others. Georgia will perform at 1 pm on the Dime Mainstage.

Student ensembles will also be on hand, including two LIU groups, the LIU Jazz Sharks and LIU Jazz Combo greeting guests from 12:15 – 1:15 pm at both Tilles Center entrances, Monter and Castagna Plazas.

Two area schools, Harborfields High School Jazz Band, and The Elmont Global Jazz Orchestra, will perform in the Rose Garden at 2 pm.

Sea Cliff’s own North Shore Jazz Quartet, inclusive of current conservatory and high school students, will perform at 6:30 pm at Tilles Center’s outdoor Castagna plaza.

Tickets are on sale now. Day passes, all-event passes, and evening only tickets are available with ticket prices beginning at $20.

Tilles Center members and subscribers save 10% off regular adult ticket prices. Tickets 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 Blvd. (Route 25A) in Brookville is open Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Fees are associated with all orders, and there are no refunds. The event will be held rain or shine, with alternate indoor venues as needed in case of inclement weather.

Tilles Jazz Fest is sponsored by Sandy and Eric Krasnoff, Catholic Health, and Dime Community Bank. With additional support provided by Lisa and Brian Land and Jessica Brassler and George Kakoulides. Media partnership is provided by WBGO.