Horace Silver Jazz Festival
About this Event
The inaugural Horace Silver Jazz Festival will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 1 -7p.m. at Factory Underground Studio, 16 Isaac Street, Norwalk, Connecticut.
Presented as an official event of Make Music Day Norwalk, the festival will bring together acclaimed jazz artists, educators, students, and community leaders to celebrate one of the most influential figures in American jazz history. Admission is free and open to the public.
Produced by Marc Alan of Factory Underground Studio, the event is made possible through the support of JazzFC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz education and performance, along with funding and sponsorship support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, and the Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission.
Featured performers to include the Horace Silver Legacy Quintet, featuring two musicians who performed and recorded with Horace Silver, Phil Bowler on Bass, and Vinny Cutro on Trumpet.
The ensemble includes:
- Phil Bowler – Bass
- Vinnie Cutro – Trumpet
- Greg Wall – Tenor Saxophone
- Mitch Schechter – Piano
- Steve Johns – Drums
Celebrating Jazz Education
The festival will also showcase the next generation of jazz artists through a special performance by David DeJesus, former professor in the Music Department at SUNY Purchase and longtime private music educator. DeJesus will perform alongside selected students, highlighting the importance of mentorship and music education in carrying forward the jazz tradition.
Norwalk Artists Take the Stage
Adding a local dimension to the celebration, Norwalk vocalist Bela Bardos will perform a selection of jazz standards accompanied by acclaimed pianist Steve Sasloe, former music director for Grammy Award-winning artist José Feliciano.
Additional performers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Art Auction to Benefit Future Cultural Programming
A centerpiece of the event will be the unveiling and auction of an original portrait of Horace Silver created by acclaimed Norwalk artist Robert Abriola.
Abriola, a former Art Director for EMI Records who worked on album projects involving members of The Beatles and numerous iconic recording artists, is also president of the St. Philip Artists Guild and a member of the Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit future music and cultural programming supported by the Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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