Thursday, October 1, 2026
Following last year’s resounding debut, Tilles Jazz Fest returns to the beautiful and historic Long Island University Post campus, on Saturday, offering an immersive day of world-class jazz, family-friendly fun and community celebration across four stages.
Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this second annual festival brings together both legendary artists and rising stars on the jazz scene. Complemented by top LIU student and alumni ensembles, it’s a full indoor/outdoor experience — from lawn picnics and Second Line parades during the day to Grammy-winning headliners Arturo Sandoval and John Pizzarelli with his Big Band at the evening’s Concert Hall show.
Recently added to the lineup are rising soulful Brazilian-born vocal powerhouse Jamile and acclaimed young trio New Jazz Underground. They join previously announced artists including Afro-Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martínez; trailblazing trumpeter Summer Camargo with her quintet; dynamic brass band The Gotham Kings, led by Wynton Marsalis protégé Alphonso Horne; vocalist/composer Vanisha Gould, and many more.
This is a festival where legends meet the future.
“It’s a joyful celebration of jazz in all its forms — on a campus built for discovery, creativity and community,” Tilles Center’s Executive and Artistic Director Tom Dunn says.
The festival proudly showcases the creativity of future talents who will surely take their place in the professional musical landscape.
LIU Jazz Combo (current LIU students) and Long Island Rising Stars (featuring LIU alumni and others) will welcome guests as they enter at festival entrances,
The LIU Post Jazz Ensemble (LIU students and faculty) takes the University Arches Stage with a set of Afro-Cuban Jazz, echoing the festival’s global spirit, at 2 p.m. LIU Marching Band members add energy to the festival’s New Orleans-style Second Line parade, closing the daytime festivities at 5:45 p.m..
This festival is truly where the young superstars of tomorrow are given their due, alongside the acclaimed jazz greats. Of course, the spotlight shines on Arturo Sandoval and John Pizzarelli with his Big Band, in Dear Mr. Sinatra. It’s sure to be a swinging evening.
Pizzarelli, the renowned jazz guitarist and singer, has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli continues to expand that repertoire. Trumpet superstar Sandoval also shines in what is sure to be a swinging evening.
Another trumpeter forging a path to greatness is one of the few females to enter what might be considered a “boy’s club.” At all of 23, Juillard-trained Summer Camargo is fast on her way to arriving at the top of the jazz scene. Besides performing on the festival circuit and in notable Manhattan jazz venues such Dizzy’s Club and Birdland, she’s quite at home on some renowned stages.
Camargo appears on your TV screen weekly as part of Saturday Night Live’s house band, in her third year with SNL. And now she finds herself sharing the stage with the one-and-only Jonathan Groff. She’s thrilled to be bringing her talents to his accomplished band as second trumpet in Broadway’s buzzy hit, “Just In Time,” the jukebox musical celebrating the life and times of Bobby Darin.
“I’m very grateful to be here [in New York City],” the Florida native says. “I feel like I’m living the dream. I’m doing stuff I never imagined for myself. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and family and friends and all those who have helped me along the way.”
Camargo was bitten by the jazz bug early on. Her parents, although not musicians themselves, had affinity to jazz and exposed her to old Hollywood films and all things jazz from a young age. She took up violin at age 8 and by fifth grade became enthralled with the trumpet. From there, it quickly became apparent that she and the trumpet were meant to be.
“It’s a glamorous sound,” she says. Recalling the fiery intensity of Louis Armstrong, she describes the trumpet’s appeal as “a shimmery, brilliant quality.”
Surely attributes that one can ascribe to Camargo. Check her out on the afternoon stage, when she does a 45-minute set with her quintet.
From jazz lovers to families looking for a summer outing, there’s something for everyone here. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a day of relaxed listening and discovery. Youngsters will enjoy the Kids Zone, with an instrument “petting zoo,” crafts and face painting. When everyone is ready for a bite, check out the food trucks and artisan purveyors with their tempting wares. Or bring your own picnic!
