Bassist Christian McBride talks Montclair Jazz Fest, Afro-Cuban Night, recent collab with Sting, and more ahead of free Sept. 13 event

The 16th annual Montclair Jazz Festival was in full swing on Tuesday August 26 in the Wellmont Arts Plaza, as percussionist Pedrito Martinez and his band delivered a blend of salsa, jazz, and space funk to an enthusiastic audience ahead of the festival's free Downtown Jamboree on September 13.

- By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD

"We just want to get some great artists who are representing the best of what we call 'jazz," said artistic director and Grammy award winning bassist Christian McBride to the AmNews in an exclusive onsite interview. "We have Lakecia Benjamin, Luisito Quintero, Ursa Major, Jazzmeia Horn — it's going to be a fantastic day."

The festival is hosted by Jazz House Kids, a Montclair based nonprofit that provides artistic and educational resources to children, and was founded by vocalist Melissa Walker, who is also McBride's wife. The organization is well known for community engagements including this summer's "Soundcheck Series," which featured free performances ahead of the festival's flagship Jamboree.