New Bedford JazzFest is bringing back its JazzFest 2026: Acoustic Jazz Series in 2026. The series will feature local live acoustic jazz in an informal setting, ideal for questions and conversation from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning March 1.
According to a community announcement, the first concert will feature Yoron Israel and High Standards at the Steeple Playhouse.
Israel is a drummer, percussionist, composer, band leader, educator and author. He is department chair and professor of percussion at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with artists such as Otis Clay, Shirley Caesar, Kenny Burrell, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Abbey Lincoln, Ahmad Jamal, Benny Golson, David “Fathead” Newman, Curtis Fuller, Art Farmer, Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutchinson, James Williams, Joe Lovano and many more.
Israel is featured on over 300 recordings with various artists as an accompanist. As a leader, he has recorded seven albums, including his most recent, “New Dreams,” featuring his ensemble “Trio Plus.” He will be accompanied by Ian Buss on saxophone, Laszlo Gardony on keyboard, Avery Sharpe on bass and Leah Hinton on vocals.
Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Acoustic Jazz concerts will feature concessions as well as a JazzFest merchandise table. New Bedford JazzFest is hosting its events in the historic Steeple Playhouse, located at 159 William St. in downtown New Bedford.
General admission tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, students and military, and $5 through Mass. Card to Culture. All tickets are available at SteeplePlayhouse.org. The festival takes place rain or shine, as it is indoors. The building is accessible to all, and there is free parking on the street, as well as in the adjacent parking lot and Elm Street Parking Garage.
The Acoustic Jazz Series will continue on April 19 and June 7. New Bedford JazzFest and the Acoustic Jazz Series are made possible by the Mass Cultural Council as well as the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett and Westport Cultural Councils.
For more information, visit newbedfordjazzfest.com.
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