Kean University's 2nd Annual Jazz and Roots Music Festival 

December 22, 2022

Kicking off the University’s roster of 2022 Homecoming events and activities, Kean hosted its 2nd Annual Jazz & Roots Music Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022. The free outdoor concert was open to the Kean community, as well as the surrounding community, and took place on The Lawn at Enlow Hall in Hillside, New Jersey. The Cougar pride was fierce and the lawn was full as 4,000 people were in attendance – doubling the number of guests at the previous year’s festival. Festival goers came out with their lawn chairs, blankets and coolers in tow to enjoy the day’s entertainment. There were also a number of food trucks and vendors located around the perimeter of the festival as well, where guests could grab some food and Kean gear, or visit the wellness tents.

Presented in conjunction with internationally acclaimed bassist/producer Mike Griot, the festival featured fantastic music from Blue People, Big Fun(k) with Don Braden and Karl Latham, Judah Tribe with Josh David, and the evening’s headliner – 5-time Grammy Award-winner Dianne Reeves.

The Kean University Foundation was elated to again host the “VIP Experience” as a thank you to our festival sponsors and our dedicated donors who support Kean University year after year. The experience included a luxury tent, lounge-style seating and a tasty food and beverage display.

Excitement is already brewing for next year’s Jazz & Roots Music Festival; keep an eye out for the announcement of the 2023 date and lineup!

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