The 68th Monterey Jazz Festival, Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28, did not disappoint the fans who came out to hear over 70 performers play a wide range of jazz, blues and Latin jazz music.
Performers who were new to the Jazz Festival included Grace Kelly, a dynamic saxophonist and singer, who wowed the audience in Dizzy's Den on Friday, and violinist Yilian Cañizares, who performed on Sunday. Both performers are highly entertaining, dancing as they play.
Friday on the Jimmy Lyons Stage included Gregory Porter followed by Christian McBride & Ursa Major, delivering inspiring jazz performances.
On Saturday, Cory Wong was an audience favorite, racing across the stage playing his guitar, backed up by a talented and entertaining band.
Other notable performers included René Marie and her tribute to Harry Belafonte, Pete Escovedo featuriing his sons Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo, and singer Leidisi.
The festival closed with a bang with the electrifying Trombone Shorty and his band. Shorty, aka Troy Andrews, left the stage at one point to march through the audience while playing his trombone. The audience loved it.