SWINGING SOUNDS: “It’s an exciting milestone year for JazzFeast,” says Palmer Square Marketing Director Anita Fresolone, who oversees the planning of this very popular open air jazz festival. Prominent jazz musicians will be on hand, as will an array of various cuisines from Princeton area eateries. 

The 25h annual JazzFeast will be held on the Green and the west side of Palmer Square from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, rain or shine.

Whether you like your jazz swinging, sophisticated, or sultry, this open air festival offers the best of the beat. It’s all there — from the blues to Dixieland to classic, and so much more.

“For 25 years, this event has brought people together to enjoy amazing music and wonderful food right here in the heart of downtown Princeton,” says Palmer Square Management Marketing Director Anita Fresolone. “It’s become a tradition for so many, and we look forward both to local residents and out-of-town visitors having a connection to Palmer Square, whether for our stores, restaurants, or for a signature event like this one.”

JazzFeast began in 2001 when Palmer Square Management wanted to present a special event that residents and visitors would enjoy, explains Ms. Fresolone, who has been involved in the event since she began her association with Palmer Square 12 years ago. “We have always kept the focus on music and food, and admission has always been free.”

Around the World

The “Feast” side of the event features flavors from around the world, including paella, Korean pork tacos, grilled clams, samosas, crepes, pizza, and much more.

Participants include Buzzetta Festival Foods, Chez Alice Gourmet Cafe and Bakery, D’Angelo Italian Market, Jammin’ Crepes, Mediterra, Mehek Fine Indian Dining, Nomad Pizza, Princeton Soup & Sandwich, Thomas Sweet Chocolate, Tico’s Eatery & Juice Bar, Tiger Noodles, Tiger’s Tale, Triumph Brewing Company, Winberrie’s, and Yankee Doodle Tap Room.

Wine, beer, and sangria will also be available, and as Ms. Fresolone points out, “With our 15 different food vendors, it’s really a wonderfully eclectic mix of food and an opportunity for people to sample a variety of cuisines, including some that may be new to them.”

Admission is free to this popular event, with seating on the Green. A tent and stage is set up for the musicians and the five bands scheduled to perform. The line-up includes:

• Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band — noon to 1 p.m.

• Chuck Redd Quintet — 1:15 to 2:15

• Splangish Fly — 2:30 to 3:30

• Peter and Will Anderson Quintet — 3:45 to 4:45

• Professor Cunningham and His Old School — 5 to 6

Best Bands

The repertoire of these bands features the best of swing, Latin and soul, New Orleans tradition, and classic jazz, and their musicians have performed at major U.S. and international jazz festivals and events.

“The quality of the bands is very important, and we start booking them the previous December,” reports Ms. Fresolone. “These are the best bands from the tri-state area.”

It takes a great deal of preparation, planning, and coordination to make the event a success, she adds. “People don’t realize all the detail and planning that goes into something like this. If you’re doing the job right, it will all look so smooth. We really start working on the planning and coordination for six months. There’s a lot of managing of many moving parts!

“Also,” continues Ms. Fresolone, “We typically get 8,000 people in attendance, and the restriction of the property is a challenge. The Green is not all that big, and we have to set up a 30-foot by 30-foot tent, a stage, and rent a Steinway piano. And, of course, I typically start losing sleep over the weather! We have been lucky, though. I think there has been only one year that was a really rainy day.

Every Year

“We truly look forward to this event every year. It’s a great feeling when we see people coming together and enjoying themselves. Sometimes, they may just be getting introduced to the Square. Of course, we hope they will do some shopping and enjoy the Palmer Square Shops too.

“It’s a pleasure to see people happy to be here and enjoying what we have put together for them. I help to emcee the event, and afterward, people often recognize me, and let me know how much they enjoyed it. This is very rewarding. We also get compliments from the musicians, who tell us how much they enjoy the event and the setting.”

Ms. Fresolone is fully expecting this year’s JazzFeast to be as successful as those of past years, and invites everyone to listen to the swinging sounds and sample the great tastes of this very special event.

The New Jersey Jazz Society will also be selling a variety of jazz CDs.

For further information, call (609) 921-2853, or email: afresolone@palmersquare.com.