2025 Charles River Jazz Festival

2025 Charles River Jazz Festival The Charles River Jazz Festival (CRJF) presented by the Boston Jazz Foundation is back for its 5th Annual entertainment extravaganza on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Herter Park Amphitheater (1175 Soldiers Field Rd) from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This family-friendly, FREE event features local art and food vendors, Boston-based and world-renowned music acts, and more. General Admission is FREE and first come, first served. We recommend getting there early to secure a good spot, as we expect the event to hit capacity. For those who are able, we kindly suggest a $20 donation to support the sound! The Charles River Jazz Festival is a grassroots, volunteer-run community event. Your support helps us keep the festival free for everyone, ensures musicians are paid fairly, and helps cover production costs. We appreciate your help in making this celebration of music possible. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-charles-river-jazz-festival-tickets-1244007583169?aff=oddtdtcreator">Ticket Link Here</a> Official 2025 Artist Lineup: <a href="https://keyonharroldmusic.com/">Keyon Harrold</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/followfreelance/">Freelance</a> <a href="https://www.christiansandsjazz.com/home">Christian Sands</a> <a href="https://www.caioejess.com/">Caio e Jess</a> <a href="https://www.ivannacuesta.com/">Ivanna Cuesta</a> <a href="https://college.berklee.edu/jazz-gender-justice">Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice</a> Official 2025 Food Vendors:<ul><li>Chubby Chickpea</li><li>Bon Me</li><li>Yumtastic Yum Yum</li><li>Cini Coffee</li><li>Lordya Gourmet</li><li>Boston Ice Cream Truck</li></ul>Early Bird VIP and Platinum Tickets: ( Save $50. Only available for the month of May!) VIP Tickets: $150 ($200 after May 31)<ul><li>Guaranteed Admission (event if event hits capacity)</li><li>Unlimited Access to VIP Lounge</li><li>Access to covered side stage seating (**First come, first served)</li><li>Exclusive Cash Bar with access to expanded beer, wine, and cocktail menu.</li><li>Complimentary Oyster Happy Hour</li><li>Complimentary Culinary offerings throughout the day</li><li>Complimentary Water and Soft Drinks</li></ul>Platinum VIP Tickets: Platinum VIP - $250 ($300 after May 31)<ul><li>Guaranteed Admission (event if event hits capacity)</li><li>Unlimited Access to VIP Lounge</li><li>Reserved covered side stage seating.</li><li>Complimentary bar featuring expanded beer, wine, and cocktail menu.</li><li>CJRF Merchandise Package</li><li>Complimentary Oyster Happy Hour</li><li>Complimentary Culinary offerings throughout the day</li><li>Complimentary Water and Soft Drinks</li></ul>Stay tuned for more news and announcements! More information:<a href="http://bostonjazzfoundation.org/crjf"> bostonjazzfoundation.org/crjf</a>

Herter Park Amphitheater

Boston Jazz Foundation Presents Lizje 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Latin pop and jazz fusion with Lizje, a dynamic Colombian/American artist who seamlessly blends the rhythms of her heritage with contemporary sounds. Experience her magnetic stage presence and soul-stirring vocals as she performs her latest hits, including "Todavia" and "Mas de Paz," along with other captivating original compositions. This not-to-be-missed performance showcases Lizje's incredible versatility and distinctive style, promising an electrifying fusion of Latin beats and modern pop that will have you dancing and feeling deeply moved. As a seasoned performer who has graced stages from the TD Garden to international venues in Japan, Switzerland, and Colombia, Lizje brings a world-class entertainment experience that celebrates the vibrancy of Latin culture. Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of the most exciting voices in Latin music. Book your tickets now for an evening of passion, energy, and unforgettable musical moments with Lizje! Ticket Link: <a href="https://boletos.boritix.com/tickets/tickets-music-boston-jazz-foundation-presents-sunset-serenade-with-lizje?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR4nR1SRG1hMI4T5upHH7FrmFmy-QuEcIjbVK1FoUn9Gxs_191Ckn6V_I97cLw_aem_5GAXxJJfki8wb2XQCbdkLQ">https://boletos.boritix.com/.../tickets-music-boston-jazz...</a> Date/Time: Thursday, June 5th, 2025. Doors at 6:30Pm and Show at 7PM Location: CROMA Space at Arlington St. Church (Public Alley 438, Boston, MA 02116) Admission: $22.50, presale, $25 at the door For more info on the Boston Jazz Foundation and a list of upcoming events visit <a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5Lfg7ggjhpbi4vHrItReQl238ozLe33zkgP-KN9gBVkvlTAzvRzc_YVsAhPA_aem_Z2F7BXKEI1cffUq5Bcd_Kg">https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/</a>

Croma Space

Jonathan Suazo at Regattabar 

Jonathan Suazo is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and cultural seeder who utilizes music to shine a light on elements of his Puerto Rican and Dominican roots. Jonathan was named one of the top ten emerging Jazz artists of 2023 by the GRAMMYS and his debut album “Ricano” (Ropeadope Records) was listed as one of the best Jazz albums of 2023 by The New York Times. A Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate (M.M 2017), he’s received many honors including the 2024 Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant, The WBUR Makers Series Award for generating impact in the Boston's community, the 2023 New Music Creator Grant, The Winter 2023 South Arts Jazz Road Tours Grant, and the Berklee Urban Service Award for using the arts to bring awareness about the needs of the Puerto Rican people during hurricane Maria / supporting humanitarianism. Jonathan has also served as a grant reviewer for organizations like New Music USA and Mid Atlantic. Catalina Maria Johnson of Downbeat Jazz Mag describes his music as “a soundscape propelled by lyrical sax playing” and Giovanni Rusonnello from the New York Times describes his music as “richly built, written from the heart and packed with complexity, always seeking the next level of altitude.” Suazo’s resume includes collaborations / performances with Miguel Zenón, Terri Lyne Carrington, David Sánchez, Charlie Sepúlveda, Eric Figueroa, Gonzalo Grau, Alex Alvear, Ricky Rodriguez, Ileana Cabra (iLÉ), Calma Carmona, Rakalam Bob Moses, Joe Lovano, Paoli Mejias, Humberto Ramirez, David Rivera, Tito Matos, Ricardo Pons, William Cepeda, Jon Secada, Pedro Capó, Obie Bermudez, Hans Glawischnig, Humberto Ramirez, Silverio Perez, Tony Escapa; and he’s led his band at venues like The Keystone Korner, Jazz Showcase Chicago, the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival, Springfield Jazzfest, Sala Sinfónica Pablo Casals PR, Teatro Francisco Arriví (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest (Anfiteatro Tito Puente), Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Elephant Room Austin TX, SXSW 2023, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The MFA Boston, and many more

Regattabar 

International Jazz Day Featuring Jason Palmer / Anastassiya Petrova 

Boston Jazz Foundation Presents: International Jazz Day at Jazz Square Date: April 30, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/5mZKivbFH4YmRewc6">Union Church, 485 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA</a> FREE Admission – First Come, First Served Join us for an unforgettable International Jazz Day celebration featuring performances by renowned trumpeter Jason Palmer and award-winning pianist Anastassiya Petrova! Hosted by Amanda Shea, this free, family-friendly event is part of the Jazz Square initiative, honoring Boston’s rich jazz history through live music, art installations, walking tours, and more. About the Artists Jason Palmer is a renowned trumpeter, composer, and educator who has performed with legends like Roy Haynes, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ravi Coltrane, and Roy Hargrove. A fixture in Boston's jazz scene for over 20 years, Jason was named to the inaugural Boston Artist in Residence Fellowship for Music Composition and has twice been honored as a Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellow. Jason has released 20 albums as a bandleader on labels like Ayva, Steeplechase, Newvelle, and Giant Step Arts, with multiple 4-star reviews from Downbeat Magazine. He has performed in over 35 countries alongside artists such as Mark Turner, Greg Osby, Grace Kelly, and Matana Roberts. For two decades, Jason led the house band at Boston’s historic Wally’s Jazz Café and has performed at major venues and festivals throughout the Northeast. As an educator, he holds teaching positions at Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, and Arizona State University, and previously taught at Harvard University and The New School. A dedicated advocate for the local jazz community, Jason served as VP of JazzBoston from 2008 to 2020. He also starred in Damien Chazelle’s 2010 film Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench. The Band: Jason Palmer - Trumpet Gregory Groover Jr.- Saxophone Kevin Harris - Piano Max Ridley - Bass Lee Fish - Drums Anastassiya Petrova is a jazz pianist/organist from Kazakhstan currently based in New York City after spending 8 years living in Boston, MA. Anastassiya Petrova has been playing the piano since the age of 5. In 2015 she was granted a full-tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music and later on was accepted to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute program, where she was mentored by renowned musicians such as John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Joe Lovano, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ben Street, George Garzone, and others. She holds bachelor’s degree in Performance and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music and a master’s degree from Berklee Global Jazz Institute majoring in Global Jazz Performance. Throughout her musical career, she has been given opportunities to share the stage with renowned musicians such as Chris Potter, Grace Kelly, Noah Preminger, Lakecia Benjamin, Walter Smith III, Allan Chase, Patricia Perez, Ben Street, Adam Cruz, Marco Pignataro, Ellis Hall, Catherine Russell, Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Liebman and others. She participated in international festivals such as Umbria Jazz Festival 2013 (Italy), Wave of Ideas 2015 (Bulgaria), Panama Jazz Festival 2020, 2021 (Panama), Beantown Jazz Festival 2018 (Boston, MA), Monterey Jazz Festival 2018 (Monterey, CA), and appeared at “The Voice” TV show in Kazakhstan and TEDx Talks at Suffolk University. She currently holds an Assistant Professor position at Berklee College of Music and Longy School of Music of Bard College. The Band: Anastassiya Petrova - Piano Ian Ashby - Bass Ivanna Gonzalez - Drums About Jazz Square Jazz Square is a collaborative effort between the Boston Jazz Foundation, Claremont Neighborhood Association, The Reckonings Project, Wally’s Café Jazz Club, and JazzBoston, with support from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. This initiative celebrates the intersection of Massachusetts and Columbus Avenues, a historic hub for jazz and Black culture in Boston. Don’t miss this special celebration of jazz, history, and community! More Info:<a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/"> bostonjazzfoundation.org</a> Follow Us: Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/bostonjazzfoundation">@bostonjazzfoundation</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094981990650">Boston Jazz Foundation</a>

Union Church

Charles River Jazz Festival Fundraiser 

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charles-river-jazz-festival-fundraiser-2025-tickets-1234220720399?aff=oddtdtcreator">GET TICKETS HERE</a> Join us on Thursday March 27th from 6:00pm-9:00pm as we raise funds for the 5th Annual<a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/crjf"> Charles River Jazz Festival </a>with an evening of live music, food, community, a silent auction and more. The Charles River Jazz Festival and Boston Jazz Foundation are grassroots, volunteer-run efforts dedicated to helping local artists and keeping music and education accessible to all, but we cant do it with out your help! We hope you can join us as we celebrate the spirit of jazz and make a meaningful difference in our community. The highlight of the night will be a special performance by award-winning saxophonist and Boston native <a href="https://www.gregorygrooverjr.com/new-page-4">Gregory Groover Jr.</a> Known for his dynamic sound, Greg’s music bridges past and present, creating an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this incredible performance in support of a good cause! Enjoy a unique opportunity to bid on a variety of exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds going towards the 2025 Charles River Jazz Festival, which will take place on Saturday July 12th at Herter Park Amphitheater in Allston, MA. Your participation will help us continue to bring the magic of jazz to our community and support local artists. Admission: $35 - General Admission Standing and Charcuterie $100 - Dinner + Jazz Ticket Dinner tickets include a glass of sparkling wine and your choice of one of the following for an entree: Grilled Cauliflower – ratatouille, tahini dressing, pistachio Roasted Chicken – lardon, coque au vin dressing, mushroom Roasted Salmon – carrot puree, mushroom risotto Spinach &amp; Mascarpone Ravioli – squash, calbrian chilis Get ready to groove to some amazing jazz tunes while supporting a great cause. See you there! For more information and ways to <a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/donate">donate</a> check out <a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR19X_nmgqOIdqIWY6CPmAWxn_KDO3Ys7ZebHh3-CeV1eAa52jD56jmUprU_aem_aE-V4WT4NtDtI912MxmkLA">https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org</a>

Rochambeau

Jazz Square Celebration

Jazz Square celebrates the rich history of jazz in Boston, bringing new life to the area between Mass Ave and Columbus Ave, which was once a vibrant hub for music, art, and culture. Jazz Square, now officially recognized as a historical hub for jazz in Boston, was once home to iconic clubs such as the Savoy Cafe, Hi-Hat Club, Eddie’s Cafe, and Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club, the latter being the only one still operating today. The Jazz Square celebration will feature community events, walking tours, concerts, and visual art installations to honor this history and its lasting impact. Supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, Jazz Square is a collaboration between the Claremont Neighborhood Association, Boston Jazz Foundation, The Reckonings Project, Wally’s Jazz Cafe, and Jazz Boston. The Jazz Square celebration is not only a tribute to the neighborhood's storied past but also a commitment to its future as a center for arts, culture, and community. All events are FREE admission, and open to the public! Website: <a href="https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/jazz-square">https://www.bostonjazzfoundation.org/jazz-square</a> Additional time info:     FRIDAY PROGRAMMING: Pre-show Cocktail Hour 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at A.T O'Keeffe's Grab some food and a drink and toast to a vibrant Jazz scene in Boston!   <a href="https://www.juliusrodriguez.com/">Julius Rodriguez</a> / <a href="https://www.sebamolnar.com/">Seba Molnar</a> Show 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm The Red Room Cafe 939 A double bill not to miss, featuring performances by award-winning pianist Julius Rodriguez and saxophonist Seba Molnar   Late Night Set with <a href="https://www.noahpreminger.com/">Noah Preminger</a> 10 pm - 12:30 pm Wally's Cafe Jazz Club 21+ Only   SATURDAY PROGRAMMING: Jazz Square Dedication 11:45 am - 1:00 pm The intersection of Columbus Ave and Massachusetts Ave (in front of Cacao). Featuring speaking programs and performances from NEC Jazz   Mass Ave Coalition Festival  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Chester Square Music by the Mike Garry Band   BJF Jam Session at Wally's Cafe Jazz Club  Hosted by <a href="https://www.jonathansuazo.net/">Jonathan Suazo</a> 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Wally's Cafe Jazz Club 21+ Only   Late Night Set with <a href="https://www.noahpreminger.com/">Noah Preminger</a> 10:00 pm - 12:30 am Wally's Cafe Jazz Club 21+ Only

Jazz Square

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

BJF 