Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival Returns August 16 with Headliner Samantha Fish

The free all-day event on the Morristown Green will feature ten hours of live jazz and blues, honoring the legacy of its late co-founders and drawing fans from near and far.

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival will return to the Morristown Green on Saturday, August 16, offering a full day of free live music from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The 2025 edition reestablishes its traditional August timing and promises an energetic mix of national and regional talent across the jazz and blues spectrum.

First launched in 2011, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of Morristown’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands of attendees from across the country and internationally. This year’s event continues to honor the vision of its late co-founders, Linda Smith and Michael Fabrizio, whose contributions helped shape the festival into a celebrated regional event.

Headlining this year is Grammy-nominated guitarist and vocalist Samantha Fish, known for her powerful stage presence and genre-defining blues musicianship. Fish has received multiple accolades, including several Blues Music Awards, Independent Blues Awards, and extensive recognition on SiriusXM’s Bluesville Radio.

The full 2025 performance schedule is as follows:

12 p.m. – Dani G and Friends: Featuring Grammy-nominated saxophonist John Michalak, this ensemble will open with smooth jazz stylings.

2 p.m. – The Jazz Ambassadors: The premier touring big band of the U.S. Army will perform classic swing numbers from icons such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

4 p.m. – Blues People: A top New Jersey blues act, known for modern fusions of traditional blues forms.

6 p.m. – King Solomon Hicks: Recognized for his soulful guitar and vocal performances, Hicks brings a dynamic energy to the early evening slot.

8 p.m. – Samantha Fish: The festival will conclude with Fish’s headline set, showcasing her acclaimed blues-rock sound.

Returning to its original August date after several years of September scheduling, the festival is expected to bolster Morristown’s late-summer tourism and business activity. 

“We are excited to be back in August,” said Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty. “From vibrant jazz to soulful blues, there is something for every music lover. Fans come from across the country and even internationally, which is a testament to the festival’s impact.”

The festival continues to provide a boost to the local economy, with nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels often experiencing increased business during the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the performances from the Morristown Green, which serves as the central venue.

This year’s festival is made possible through the support of numerous sponsors, including the Morristown Municipal Airport, Deloitte, Bijou Properties, M-Station Urban Renewal Associates, and others.

The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival remains a free public event, underscoring its commitment to accessible, high-quality live music and community celebration.