Fall 2025

I n the third weekend of September for the past 67 years, the atmosphere sur- rounding the Monterey County Fairgrounds crackles with the electric energy emanated by the talent of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. And this, the 68th year of the event now rebranded as Monterey Jazz “Timeless Since 1958” (formerly known as the Monterey Jazz Festival) will be no exception. For its 68th year, the world’s longest continu- ously running jazz festival presents dozens of top-tier artists across four stages. The events get underwayThursday, September 25, with The Jazz Legends Gala, “Jazz Roots: The Bass of it All” honoring legendary bassist Christian McBride. Held at The Inn at Spanish Bay, the evening features performances by the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, Dianne Reeves, John Clayton and Benny Green, among others. Gracing the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Pattee Arena this year is a solid slate of performers. GREGORY PORTER A returning favorite singer/songwriter, the Grammy-winning Porter kicks off Monterey Jazz Friday, September 26, with a 7:00 pm set of clas- sic-inspired jazz. A native of Bakersfield, California, he cites his hometown’s Southern gospel music and his mother’s Nat King Cole collection as early influences. CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE AND URSA MAJOR McBride has performed here many times with a who’s who of jazz luminaries over the years and has eight Grammys on his mantle. “Monterey has always been one of my favorite places to come to. This area—and all of Northern California—has been fertile ground for musical experimentation and creativity,” he says. Ursa Major, his latest collaboration, is an ensemble of highly accomplished young musi- cians.They take the stage on Friday at 8:45 pm. 120 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 Photo: Erik Umphery Photo: Mallory Turner While multiple Grammy winners Gregory Porter (left) and Christian McBride (right, with his band Ursa Major) are long-time Monterey Jazz artists, they represent a newer generation of musicians and have brought their innovative compositions to the Monterey Fairgrounds stages many times. Both are bringing innovative music to the festival’s 68th outing on the Jimmy Lyons Stage.