Every summer, music lovers around the world flock to jazz festivals to soak up the rhythm, energy, and artistry of live performances.  For over 70 years, some of jazz’s greatest names have made their mark on festival stages like Switzerland’s iconic Montreux Jazz Festival every July, to the legendary Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island each August, to Italy’s sizzling Umbria Jazz Festival. These legendary Jazz festivals are the perfect way to soak up some summer sun, discover up-and-coming artists on the cutting edge of music, and icons of the jazz scene alike. 

Jazz legends like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dizzy Gillespie catapulted their careers to the global stage through unforgettable summer festival performances. Today, jazz festivals embrace an eclectic mix of styles, welcoming artists from R&B, soul, and even hip hop, including boundary-pushers like Kendrick Lamar and Ezra Collective.

This summer, capture the magic of jazz festivals with Marquee TV’s curated collection of festival-inspired performances. Discover rare archival concerts, pop-culture defining moments, and electrifying performances from legendary artists, all from the comfort of home.

5 Unmissable Jazz Concerts on Marquee TV 

1. Thelonious Monk: Live in Brussels 

Step back in time and experience jazz history in the making with this rare archival recording of the legendary Thelonious Monk Quartet, filmed live in 1963 at Brussels Palais des Beaux-Arts, the same year Monk performed at the Newport Jazz Festival and released his first Columbia Records album, Monk’s Dream. This performance captures Monk at the height of his creative powers during what became known as his “Columbia Years.”

Wearing his signature hat, Monk leads his legendary quartet with Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, John Ore on bass, and the incomparable Frankie Dunlop on drums. In front of an audience dressed to the nines, Monk’s angular melodies, offbeat rhythms, and magnetic improvisations, performed by one of his tightest quartets, make this an unmissable concert for any jazz aficionado. This two-part concert makes for perfect background music, if you can tear your eyes away from Monk’s hypnotic performance. 

Set list: 

• Monk’s Dream (Thelonious Monk) 
• Drums Solo (Frankie Dunlop)
• Criss Cross (Thelonious Monk)
• Rhythm-a-Ning (Thelonious Monk)
• Epistrophy (Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke)

2. Ezra Collective 

Looking for jazz with a modern twist? London-based contemporary Jazz sensation Ezra Collective might just be the perfect addition to your playlist. Ezra Collective defies genres with their genius blend of Afro-Cuban jazz, Afrobeat, salsa, reggae, soul, and even classical influences. Their sound is entirely their own, and it is electric. Though rooted in jazz, their high-energy, genre-defying style has taken them from the stages of Glastonbury (2012) to the hallowed stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival (2025).

Filmed in a converted Parisian train depot, this exciting performance includes behind-the-scenes interviews with the band. Led by charismatic drummer Femi Koleoso, the Mercury Prize-winning group made history as the first jazz act to headline Wembley Arena. Expect tight chemistry, infectious rhythm, and a glimpse at the future of jazz. 

Set List: 

• Ego Killah 
• Welcome to My World 
• No Confusion Lady 
• Live Strong 
• You Can’t Steal My Joy 
• Victory Dance 
• Chapter 7

3. Sarah Vaughan and her Trio: Live

No jazz playlist would be complete without some vocal jazz, and no voice compares to Sarah Vaughan. After performing at the first-ever Newport Jazz Festival in 1967, Vaughan became a festival favorite. This 1974 concert, part of the Jazz from Newport European tour, captures Vaughan live at Brussels’ Marni Theatre. 

Backed by a stellar trio, Jimmy Cobb on drums ( of Kind of Blue fame), Carl Schroeder on piano, and John Gianelli on bass, Vaughan delivers timeless renditions of classics like Summertime, Misty, and There Will Never Be Another You. Between songs, she riffs with the audience, offering a rare glimpse of the singer’s personality and comfort on stage. Captivating, rare, and unforgettable, this concert is a chance to witness the vocal-jazz icon in her element. 

Set List: 

• Tonight I Remember You
•  I’m just Gigolo Interlude Summertime 
• There Will Never Be Another You 
• Misty 
• Tonight – Reprise 
• Tenderly
•  Encore

4. Gilberto Gil: Farewell Tour 

Calling all bossa nova lovers, this powerful farewell concert from Brazilian jazz legend Gilberto Gil is a must-see. One of Brazil’s most iconic and influential musicians, Gil was a key figure in the tropicalia movement (a 1960s Brazilian Cultural revolution blending music, art, and political resistance). He fused samba, bossa nova, reggae, and funk into his own distinctive sound, a sound that soon took over the world. He famously appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival an incredible 15 times throughout his career. 

This moving farewell concert captures the breadth of Gil’s 60-year career. Performing alongside his sons Bem and José, his grandson João, and granddaughter Flor, this is a truly touching goodbye to the stage. Playing classics Upa Neguinho, a radical version of The Girl from Ipanema, and Não Chore Mais, his Brazilian take on Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, this concert is the perfect addition to any summer shindig. Just press play, pour a caipirinha, and let the Brazilian sunshine in. 

Set List: 

• Expresso 2222
• Viramundo
• Chiclete com Banana
• Upa, neguinho
• Ladeira Da Preguiça
• E Luxo So
• João Sabino
• Garota de Ipanema
• Moon River
• Tempo rei
• Não chore mais
• Esotérico
• Sonho molhado
• Touche pas à mon pote
• Cérebro Eletrônico
• Back in Bahia
• Andar Com Fé
• Palco
• Aquele Abraço
• Toda Menina Baiana

5. Memory Lane –  Montreux Sessions 

No need to travel to get your spot at the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival.  Since 1967, the Festival has hosted groundbreaking performances across genres, from jazz to rap, on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva. This concert-meets-documentary series offers a unique perspective on the festival, painting fascinating portraits of some of the most iconic performers in modern music and their career-defining performances at the festival.  

Featuring standout archival performances and personal stories from artists like Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Michael Kiwanuka, George Benson, and Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, this series gives you an insider’s perspective on the unique moments that made music history. If you love intimate concerts from mega musicians, this series is your chance to bring unparalleled talent right to your living room.  Note: This title is not available to watch in the US. 

Build Your Own Summer Jazz Festival 

Feeling inspired? Bring the festival vibes home with your own DIY Jazz Festival.  Here are some ideas to get you started. 

• Watching on the big screen: Set up Marquee TV on your TV or projector to catch all the action in detail. [ Here’s How] 
• Create a picnic vibe: Lay out a blanket indoors, pack yourself a picnic, and enjoy some sizzling summer jazz with your favorite snacks and the cool comfort of A.C. 
• Mix a jazz-inspired cocktail: Try a signature drink to set the mood, like the famous Brazilian Caipirinha. Here’s a recipe to get you started 
• Add ambiance: Download the concerts on the Marquee TV app and play them like a music playlist inside or out. 
• Invite your friends: Festivals are best shared, so get the gang together and share 

Explore the whole Marquee TV Summer Jazz Festival Line-up here. 

Throwing your own Marquee TV Summer Festival? We’d love to see it!  Tag us on Instagram, @Marqueeartstv, and use the Hashtag #MarqueeTVSummerFest, and you might just get featured on our stories.