Locals, families, and jazz-lovers sought shelter from severe thunderstorms at the third annual Tilles Jazz Fest on Saturday, July 18th. Due to heavy rain, performances were moved inside to theaters in both the Tilles Center and Long Island University’s Hillwood Commons.

Performers included the LIU Jazz Combo, LIU Alumni and Faculty Jazz Combo (led by LIU Post Professor and Jazz Fest veteran Jeff Lederer), William Hill III, Ruby Laks, Jarien Jamanila, Kal Ferretti, Chico Pinherio, Dan and Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin, and Bobby Sanabria. The Hot Jazz All Stars marked the end of the day performances with a New Orleans-style second line parade through the Tilles Center. Headliner Buena Vista Social Club closed the festival with a lively set in the Tilles Concert Hall.

Visitors enjoyed a selection of local vendors, who sold everything from coffee to hand-blown glass!

Rosie’s Vintage, located in Huntington, brought a selection of books and records. Long Island’s Leon Pena brought his mobile coffee and tea bar, Cafe Bobo. Glassworks by JCI featured hand-blown glass jewelry, art, and sculpture by local artist Jane Cairns Irvine. Sweet Treats to the Rescue brought cookies and cupcakes, with a portion of their profits going toward helping animals in need. Leon Pena brought his coffee. Local artist Beth Costello brought paintings and resin art. Judy Yournish Maurer brought beaded bracelets. Carol Meyerson of Sweet Sparklies brought beaded bracelets and jewelry.. Denise Cruz brought jewelry and bookmarks.

In addition to craft vendors, attendees enjoyed local food trucks Sids All American, The Telia Truck, Crepes and Bakes, and Mr. Flavors Ice Cream.

A new addition to Jazz Fest, Kilowatt Dance Theater led festivalgoers of all ages in a free swing dance lesson!

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.

We asked performers, partners, vendors, and attendees for one word to describe Jazz Fest 26:

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 an interview between Tilles artistic and executive director Tom Dunn and Dime Bank’s Steven Miley.

Tilles Jazz Fest is presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Wondering what Tilles Jazz Fest looks like outdoors? Check out highlights from our previous two festivals.

Planning is already underway for Jazz Fest 2027! Who would you like to see as the 2027 Tilles Jazz Fest Headliner? Leave a comment with your dream lineup!

For information about the 2026-2027 season and Jazz at Tilles Center, visit the Tilles Website. Tickets are on sale now.

Photos courtesy Jack Roman