Samantha Fish to Headline 2025 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Samantha Fish, an award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter, is confirmed to headline the 2025 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free public event returns on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and will take place on the historic Morristown Green in Morristown, New Jersey. Fish is scheduled to close the day’s performances with an evening set beginning at 8 p.m.
The festival, which draws thousands each year, will begin at 12:00 noon and run through 10:00 p.m., offering attendees a lineup of jazz and blues acts scheduled at two-hour intervals. The event remains open to all ages and requires no tickets or fees to attend.
The 2025 edition will also continue its tradition of honoring the lives and work of two of the event’s late founders, Linda Smith and Michael Fabrizio, both of whom passed away in June 2021. Their work was central to the development and growth of the festival, and their legacy is acknowledged each year through public remarks and acknowledgments during the event.
Samantha Fish Brings Acclaimed Talent to Morristown
With her reputation for powerful live sets and a unique blend of blues and modern rock elements, Samantha Fish has become one of the most prominent names on the international blues circuit. She has received multiple Blues Music Awards and earned 22 Independent Blues Awards throughout her career. Her recognition also includes a Grammy nomination, adding further credit to her influence in the genre.
Fish started her career in Kansas City, Missouri, and has toured extensively across the United States and abroad. Her ability to adapt her playing and songwriting to suit both classic and contemporary blues styles has earned her a wide following. She is frequently invited to headline festivals due to her consistent performance record and strong fan support.
At Morristown, she will close the daylong event with a prime-time performance at 8 p.m., expected to draw one of the largest crowds of the day.
Full 2025 Festival Schedule Announced
Organizers have released the full performance lineup for the 2025 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The event begins at noon and follows this order:
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12:00 PM – Dani G. & Friends
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2:00 PM – The Jazz Ambassadors (U.S. Army Big Band)
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4:00 PM – Blues People
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6:00 PM – King Solomon Hicks
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8:00 PM – Samantha Fish
Each act is expected to play approximately 90 minutes, with short breaks between performances. The festival is designed to provide a steady flow of music throughout the day, allowing guests to stay for the full event or drop in for specific artists.
A Day of Free Music on the Morristown Green
The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival is held annually on Morristown Green, a centrally located public park surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and local shops. The location is known for its accessibility and community-friendly layout, making it a suitable venue for outdoor music events.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Food vendors and local restaurants are expected to serve attendees throughout the event. The festival takes place rain or shine, and parking is available in nearby garages.
No tickets are required, and guests may come and go as they wish throughout the day. With Samantha Fish scheduled to close the show, organizers expect high attendance during the final performance.
Honoring the Festival’s Founders
As in recent years, the event will remember Linda Smith and Michael Fabrizio, two figures who helped shape the festival in its early years. Both passed away in June 2021, and their contributions have been remembered through tributes during the event.
Their work in building the festival has continued through the efforts of a dedicated planning team, who keep their names part of the event each year. The goal of the festival remains the same as when it started — to bring quality jazz and blues music to the public for free, in a setting that supports artists and community alike.
