Berklee Takes Over BeanTown Jazz Festival

  I  

Berklee College of Music has assumed production of Boston’s annual BeanTown Jazz Festival, which will be held this year from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

“While I’m relatively new to the city, I know about Boston’s unique and extremely rich jazz legacy,” said Berklee Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Lawrence Simpson. “We will honor that legacy, and reflect that future, in the choices we make with the festival.”

Jazz critic Willard Jenkins will serve as artistic director for the festival, which will feature McCoy Tyner, Kenny Garrett, Carmen Lundy, Christian McBride, Lionel Loueke and Jimmy Cobb.

For more information on the BeanTown Jazz Festival go to berklee.edu.



  • Sonny_Rollins_by_Michael_Jackson_copy.jpg

    Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.

    Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95

    Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…

  • 2026_Cecil_McLorin_Salvant_Sullivan_Fortner_Big_Ears.jpg

    Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.

  • NikBaertschs_RONIN_by_Christian_Senti.jpg

    “We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”

  • The_Bad_Plus_by_Evelyn_Freja_copy1.jpg

    ​Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.

  • Ava_Preston_Courtesy_Ava_Preston.jpg

    Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.


On Sale Now
June 2026
Marcus Gilmore, Blank For.ms & Jason Moran
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad