What is the NoMad Jazz Festival?

The NoMad Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and community, showcasing world-class jazz artists alongside emerging talent. The festival is produced and presented by The NoMad Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to an ever-better NoMad. It takes place in partnership with the Jazz Gallery, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy and brings the neighborhood alive with performances that honor jazz’s rich heritage while pushing its creative boundaries.

Where does the NoMad Jazz Festival take place?

The NoMad Jazz Festival takes place in the historic NoMad neighborhood of New York City, known for its iconic architecture, creative energy, and cultural depth. Concerts and events unfold across NoMad and Flatiron’s public spaces, stages, and partner venues, including mainstage performances in and around Madison Square Park.

Why should I attend the NoMad Jazz Festival?

The NoMad Jazz Festival is free to everyone and offers a one-of-a-kind experience where music, community, and the spirit of New York converge. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to the genre, you’ll enjoy unforgettable performances, discover new artists, and connect with NoMad, the quintessential live-work-play neighborhood.

Is the NoMad Jazz Festival open to everyone?

Yes! The NoMad Jazz Festival is free for everyone and welcomes all – residents, visitors, families, and music lovers of every kind. There’s something for people of all ages to enjoy.

Who has performed at The NoMad Jazz Festival?

In its inaugural year, NoMad Jazz Festival welcomed over 170 artists across 21 free events, and activated 15 community venues. The Mainstage lineup curated by The Jazz Gallery’s Rio Sakairi included Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane, Michael Mayo, The Brandee Younger Trio, Roy Hargrove Big Band, Davin Ryu Trio, Arta Jēkabsone, Caracas Trio and Melissa Almague. Family programming included The KongoNola Project presented by Goussy Celestin’s Ayita Brass, ABCirque, Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats, and cultural programming with Asase Yaa.

What is the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series?

In 2026, The NoMad Jazz Festival introduced the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series, extending its mission beyond Festival Week and into a year-round offering. Leading up to the free summer Festival, the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series features a curated mix of free and ticketed performances, with proceeds supporting the free, week-long NoMad Jazz Festival. Partners and planned venues for the NoMad Jazz Festival Concert Series include The Jazz Gallery, Baruch Performing Arts Center, and Jazz on the NoMad Piazza. This expansion deepens the NoMad Jazz Festival’s commitment to accessibility, artist support, and neighborhood activation, bringing established and upcoming jazz artists into the community throughout the year.

First Fridays – June 5 | NoMad Jazz Festival New York

Matthew Stevens

With his self-titled new album—out May 8 on Candid Records—Grammy-winning guitarist, producer, and songwriter Matthew Stevens delivers a definitive midcareer mission statement. Long recognized as one of the most thrilling and thoughtful guitarists of his generation, Stevens has built an elite reputation in music, touring and recording with a distinguished roster of modern legends, including Esperanza Spalding, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Harvey Mason, and Walter Smith III. As a producer, he has brought the same depth of insight to projects like I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100, a widely acclaimed centennial tribute featuring artists such as Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, and Bill Frisell.

Matthew Stevens – guitar
Rich Hinman – steel guitar
Simon Moullier – vibraphone
Morgan Guerin – saxophone, EWI, keyboards
Kyle Miles – electric bass
Eric Doob – drums

Friday, June 5

Sets at 7pm & 9pm⁠

The Jazz Gallery

1158 Broadway, 5th floor
(entrance on 27th street)
New York NY 10001⁠
jazzgallery.org⁠

GA Tickets: $40 ($25 members)
Cabaret Seating: $50 ($35 members)

NoMad Jazz Festival 2026 Events

First Fridays – June 5

Matthew Stevens