Locals, families, and jazz-lovers descended on Long Island University’s Post Campus for Tilles Center’s second annual Jazz Fest on Saturday, July 19th. Visitors enjoyed performances on Post’s Great Lawn, in the Winnick House (former estate of C.W Post), Rose Garden, and Tilles Concert Hall.

Performers included the LIU Jazz Ensemble, New Jazz Underground, Vanisha Gould, Pedrito Martinez, Jamile, and rising trumpeter Summer Camargo. Alophonso Horne and the Gotham Kings marked the end of the day performances with a second line, New Orleans style parade across festival grounds. Co-headliners the John Pizzarelli Big Band and Arturo Sandoval anchored the festival with inspired sets in the Tilles Concert Hall.

We asked performers, partners, vendors, and attendees for one word to describe Jazz Fest 25:

Visitors also enjoyed a selection of vendors who sold items ranging from records to pottery and hand-blown glass.

Next Chapter Bookstore, located in Huntington, brought a selection of books and records. Sweet Treats to the Rescue brought cookies and cupcakes, with a portion of their profits going toward helping animals in need. Sea Cliff’s Peace Soap brought a selection of handmade soaps, perfumes, and clothing. Glassworks by JCI featured hand-blown glass jewelry, art, and sculpture by local artist Jane Cairns Irvine. Local artist Beth Costello brought paintings and resin art. Judy Yournish Maurer brought beaded bracelets. Potters Joanne Colon and Stuart Rabeck featured artisanal and handmade ceramics. Carol Meyerson of Sweet Sparklies brought beaded bracelets and jewelry. Local craftsman Michael Smith brought brought hand carved and crafted frames. Denise Cruz brought jewelry and bookmarks.

In addition to craft vendors, festival-goers enjoyed food trucks Sids All American, The Telia Truck, Green Street Eatery, and Mr. Flavors Ice Cream. This year’s food trucks offered everything from hamburgers to vegan tacos and ice cream.  

Jazz Fest 25 had something to offer for the whole family.

This year’s Swingin’ Kids Zone, included games, face painting, and an instrument petting zoo, which gave participating kids a chance to hear and play a variety of different instruments.

Tilles Jazz Fest would not be possible without the support of our sponsors; Eric and Sandy Krasnoff, Dime Community Bank, and Catholic Health. For more from our sponsors look for features on our blog, including a recent interview between Tilles artistic and executive director Tom Dunn and Dime Bank’s Steven Miley.

Planning is already underway for Jazz Fest 2026! Who would you like to see as the 2026 Tilles Jazz Fest Headliner? Comment with your choice!

For information about the 2025-2026 season and Jazz at Tilles Center, visit the Tilles Website. Tickets are on sale now.

Photos courtesy Jack Roman