Free jazz fest returns to Carlsbad Village lawn Sept. 26

A full afternoon of live jazz is coming back to the Carlsbad Village waterfront, and it won't cost a dime.

St. Michael's Jazz Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 26, for its third year on the lawn at St. Michael's by-the-Sea, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd., according to the Carlsbad Village Association. The free outdoor festival celebrates New Orleans musical traditions alongside San Diego-area talent. No ticket or reservation is required.

This year's lineup features Euphoria Brass Band, a group that bills itself as San Diego's original brass band, blending old-school New Orleans jazz with funky street beats. Monette Marino Keita, a San Diego Music Hall of Fame inductee (class of 2023) who has performed locally and internationally for more than 30 years, is also on the bill. Also performing: the Matt Neu Jazz Trio featuring vocalist Teryn Ré and Mercedes Moore Swing.

The festival grew out of St. Michael's by-the-Sea's tradition of hosting free outdoor jazz. In 2021, the Episcopal church on Carlsbad Boulevard launched Jazz Evensong, a Sunday series on the same lawn. Father Doran Stambaugh, then the church's rector, said in May 2021 when the series launched, "The purpose of St. Michael's Jazz Evensong is not for jazz to bring people to church, but for the church to bring jazz to the people!"

That philosophy carries into the Jazz Fest, which organizers say is built around a mission of creating community through music. Beyond the performances, the festival includes educational opportunities, family-friendly activities and chances for military bands, school ensembles and music education groups to participate.

Attendees should bring lawn or camping chairs. The venue sits one block from the Carlsbad Village Train Station, making it accessible by Coaster, bike or on foot.

Admission is free.

A full performance schedule and set times have not yet been announced. Organizers are directing residents to stmichaelsjazzfest.org for updates as the date approaches.