30th Anniversary Litchfield Jazz Festival
Celebrate 30 Years of Great Jazz in the Hills!
Join us July 25–27 in Washington, CT for the 30th Anniversary of the Litchfield Jazz Festival, a beloved summer tradition where world-class jazz meets small-town charm. Presented on the beautiful campus of The Frederick Gunn School, this year’s festival brings together jazz legends, rising stars, and Litchfield Jazz Camp alumni for three unforgettable days of music, food, and community. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-timer, this milestone year promises something truly special.
🎶 July 25 – Friday Night Opens In Style!
The celebration kicks off with our Opening Night Gala at 5:45 PM, featuring standout performances by our top Litchfield Jazz Camp student combos, delicious fare from local favorites, and Litchfield Distillery's top-shelf cocktails. At 7:45 PM, the mainstage lights up with the return of the Emmet Cohen Trio, featuring Emmet Cohen (a former Litchfield camper and now a global jazz sensation), Joey Ranieri on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Emmet first appeared at Litchfield fresh out of college in 2013—this marks his fifth performance at the festival, and we couldn’t be more excited.
🎷 July 26 – Saturday: All Jazz, All Day
Saturday brings a triple bill of powerhouse performances, starting at 3 PM with the Matt Dwonszyk Sextet. Matt, like Emmet, is a former camper and now one of the most in-demand bassists on the scene. He’s joined by a knockout lineup: Kris Allen (sax), Andrew Renfroe (guitar), Taber Gable (piano), Jonathan Barber (drums), and Shenel Johns (vocals).
Next up: Pasquale Grasso and Frank Vignola. Grasso, whom Pat Metheny called “the best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life,” returns after debuting at Litchfield in 2022 with Samara Joy. Vignola, a veteran performer heard regularly at NYC’s Birdland Theater, makes his Litchfield debut.
We close Saturday with international sensation Anat Cohen Quartetinho, led by the charismatic clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen. Joined by Tal Mashiach (bass), Vitor Goncalves (piano/accordion), and James Shipp (vibes/percussion), this ensemble blends jazz, Brazilian classics, and originals for a set that’s as uplifting as it is virtuosic.
🥂 July 27 – The Finale: Sunday Jazz Brunch
Wrap up the weekend with our 30th Anniversary Jazz Brunch at 12 PM, featuring a festive meal from Chef Charlene Dutka, Litchfield’s longtime chef.
On stage is the irresistible Champian Fulton Trio, led by the effervescent pianist/vocalist Champian Fulton, with Fukushi Tainaka on drums and Hide Tanaka on bass. A festival alum, Champian brings swing, soul, and joy to the stage—All About Jazz calls her “a balm for the soul.” The Jazz Brunch always sells out, so reserve your seat early!
