Kean University Hosts Second Annual Jazz and Roots Music Festival

By Adaora Nnakwe | Published October 5, 2022

In the festive season of homecoming, Kean University hosted its second annual Jazz and Roots Music Festival on Sept. 24 on the lawn at Enlow Hall from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. 

The free outdoor public event featured Dianne Reeves, a five-time Grammy Award-winning, jazz vocalist; John Beasley, a jazz pianist; Romeo Lubambo, a jazz guitarist; Itaiguara Brandao, a recording artist, and bassist; and Rafael Barata, a drummer.

Performers also included Blues People, a blues band based in New Jersey; Big Fun(k), a band with Don Braden and Karl Latham was also in attendance as well as Judah Tribe with Josh David.

Four thousand people formed the crowd on a breezy, sunny evening before the start of the show and sat in their lawn chairs and blankets waiting for the headliner to perform on stage. 

Reeves performed at 5 p.m and rocked the crowd with her soulful jazz melodies including popular songs like “Better Days”, “Nine” and a cover by Pat Metheny called “Minuano.” 

Her rhythmic melodies and scats brought the audience to life and sent love and positivity on stage into the crowd. Reeves included a solo segment of her band members including her pianist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer along with an inspirational speech about her grandmother that had the crowd cheering and laughing with their heart-warming reactions.

Jamelle Hoskins, of Piscataway, attended the event with her daughter just to see Dianne Reeves’ performance. Hoskins is a longtime jazz listener and a fan of Reeves. She was excited to watch Reeves and her band members perform.

 “I thought the show was lively and entertaining. Dianne Reeves’ performance was phenomenal,” Hoskins said. 

There were performances followed by Blues People, Big Fun(k), and Judah Tribe with Josh David with melodies of blues and reggae continuously living up the crowd. It sent a positive message to the people of Union and all across New Jersey that traveled to this event and to know that music brings people together and heals the soul. 

During intermission, Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D. spoke on behalf of the university to celebrate the second-year music event and thanked those who were involved in the preparation as well as the people who attended. 

Dr. Colleen Hawthorne, mental health physician; speaker, and author, delivered a speech on the importance of recognizing wellness and spoke on her new self-help book titled “Vibrant Life Success” for those interested in reading about bettering their lives and achieving success. 

The festival had multiple food trucks and vendors. Food trucks included Bell John’s, Halal R US, Hadez Food Truck, and Amara’s Caribbean BBQ. The vendors included small business shops like BeYOUtiful Creations, a massage vendor, and Kean’s own vendor selling festival t-shirts for guests to purchase. 

Joshua Hennings, from Union, attended the event with two of his friends from Kean. The festival brought positive and cheerful energy throughout the evening bringing another successful event to Kean University. 

The Jazz and Music Festival is expected to return next year.

“This event was definitely a good way for me to get out of the house and have a great concert experience since the pandemic,” Hennings said.  

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