The 12^th annual Jersey City Jazz Festival—with both free and ticketed shows—will take place May 30 and 31 on the Hudson River waterfront with its three stages, a “community zone,” food trucks, bars, a “V.I.P. Experience” and a parade. There are also events scheduled on May 27, 28 & 29 in anticipation of the weekend’s festivities.

The New Jersey Jazz Society will present the eleventh annual Jersey City Jazz Festival May 29 to June 2 with 37 concerts over five days at different Hudson County locations. Tenor sax man Jerry Weldon will perform May 30 at the Brennan Courthouse. Drummer Johnathan Blake will lead his band May 31 at the Nimbus Arts Center. The waterfront location will host vocalist Champian Fulton, pianist David Kikoski and tenor saxophonist Lance Bryant (pictured) June 1 plus tenor saxophonist George Coleman and vocalist Brianna Thomas June 2.