The Monroeville Jazz Festival is back for its 22nd year. This free, all-ages event is this Saturday, August 30th from 12pm – 8pm. First held in a church basement as a way to raise money for an organ, the festival now welcomes between 2,000 and 3,000 festival goers at Tall Trees Amphitheatre in Monroeville Community Park West every year.
Something For Everyone
“It’s a very diverse crowd—not just black and white, but young and old,” said Ernie Groover, president of the event’s presenting organization The Monroeville Foundation. “There are two- and three-year-olds there listening to the music and 20 to 30 older folks in what I call ‘wheelchair row’ who sit at the top in their wheelchairs.”
No matter their age, Groover said that it’s a “laid-back type of crowd that really enjoys the music.”
The 2025 lineup showcases a number of acclaimed musicians and music groups including tenor saxophonist Calvin Stemley & the Stemtecs and drummer Brian Edwards Excursion. Headliner Etta Cox has been voted “Best Jazz Vocalist” in Pittsburgh eight times. During her long-standing career, she has opened for greats like Ray Charles and trumpeter Doc Severinsen. Cox performed at the first Monroeville Jazz Festival in 2003 and at her performance this Saturday, she’ll be introduced by the event’s creator, Chuck Somerville.
Emerging talent will also take to the stage throughout the day, with performances from Urban Impact Youth Jazz and Center of Life Youth Jazz.
“No matter what genre of music you prefer, there’s something for everyone,” said Groover.
Monroeville Jazz Festival Full Performance Schedule
- 12pm – 1pm – Calvin Stemley & the Stemtecs (Main Stage)
- 1pm – 1:30pm – Urban Impact Youth Jazz (Secondary Stage)
- 1:30pm – 2:30pm – Brian Edwards Excursion (Main Stage)
- 2:30pm – 3pm – Urban Impact Youth Jazz (Secondary Stage)
- 3pm – 4:15pm – Tony Campbell (Main Stage)
- 4:15pm – 4:45pm – Center of Life Youth Jazz (Secondary Stage)
- 4:45pm – 6pm – Dwayne Fulton (Main Stage)
- 6pm – 6:30pm – Center of Life Youth Jazz (Secondary Stage)
- 6:30pm – 8pm – Etta Cox (Main Stage)
Food Vendors
In addition to great music, attendees will be treated to a diverse lineup of food trucks that will be offering gyros, hot dogs, sausages, crispy wings, pizza, BLTs, loaded fries, nachos, fresh salads, Italian classics and Mexican street food. The variety of menu options isn’t just on the savory side—there will also be old-fashioned root beer floats, ice cream and funnel cakes.
Local Vendors
Local vendors will also be on site selling products like gourmet cupcakes, nostalgic candy, fresh-squeezed lemonade, moonshine, wine and a variety of handmade crafts.
Attend the Monroeville Jazz Festival
This free event is rain or shine! Bring chairs and blankets; umbrellas or tents are not permitted. The Tall Trees Amphitheatre in Monroeville Community Park West is at 2447 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville, PA 15146.
For more information, visit www.monroevillefoundation.org/monroeville-jazz-festival.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
