Art Meets Jazz - Andromeda Turre Live at The Montclair Art Museum at Montclair Art Museum

Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, composer, and advocate Andromeda Turre will return to her hometown for a special performance at the Montclair Art Museum on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as part of the museum’s celebrated Art Meets Jazz series.

A proud Montclair native and graduate of Montclair High School, Turre has captivated audiences around the world with her unique blend of jazz, storytelling, and social activism. This highly anticipated homecoming performance offers the community an opportunity to experience her artistry up close in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Joining Turre for this one-night-only event is a powerhouse lineup of world-class musicians, including:

• Steve Turre – Legendary trombonist and Montclair’s own

• Betty Neals – Acclaimed poet

• Gene Lake – Drummer and Montclair’s own

• Richie Goods – Bassist extraordinaire

• Chelsea Baratz – Versatile saxophonist

• Fima Chupakhin – Pianist and composer

• Drew Tucker – Vibraphonist redefining the instrument’s role in jazz

A Trailblazing Artist with Deep Local Roots

Turre’s career has taken her across 17 countries as a solo artist, performing with legends such as Ray Charles, Jon Faddis, and Michael Bublé. Most recently, she made history at the 2025 World Entertainment Awards, winning Best Jazz Album, Best Jazz Artist, and Best Social Awareness Song for her groundbreaking project From The Earth: A Jazz Suite. This acclaimed work explores the intersection of environmental justice, social history, and music.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Montclair, so much of what I’m doing professionally now grew out of the incredible education I received in Montclair’s public schools” said Turre. “Performing at the Montclair Art Museum, a place dedicated to creative expression and cultural connection, feels like a full-circle moment. And sharing the stage with these incredible musicians makes it even more special.”

About Andromeda Turre:

Raised within the legacy of jazz’s foremost innovators—immersed in the presence of legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Ray Charles, and Wynton Marsalis—Turre absorbed invaluable insights observing their mastery firsthand. As the daughter of trombonist Steve Turre and cellist Akua Dixon, this lineage does more than inform her artistry; it offers a foundation from which she redefines boundaries, bridging heritage with innovation.

Educated at The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, Turre developed a voice uniquely her own, integrating classical, contemporary, and theatrical frameworks into jazz. In addition to her international career, she has worked extensively as a composer for film, television, video games, and theater. She has also starred in several acclaimed off-Broadway productions, including Sleep No More, Woody Allen’s Murder Mystery Blues, and most recently, Twyla Tharp’s 2024 production, How Long Blues.

About From The Earth:

A programmatic jazz suite in four sections—Earth, Sky, Sea, and Ice—each representing a North American community at the intersection of climate change and the remnants of systems such as redlining and colonization. Turre spent months interviewing these communities, weaving their voices and narratives into the music. Each live performance of From The Earth partners with local environmental organizations to empower audiences with actionable climate initiatives in their own communities.

Critical Acclaim for From The Earth: A Jazz Suite:

• “It’s not every artist who can make such rewarding music while addressing so many of life’s ills and question marks; with From The Earth, Andromeda Turre is decidedly that artist.” – Willard Jenkins, NEA Jazz Master

• “Well, here we are only 53 years on from Marvin asking What’s Going On—we have something that might be regarded as a sequel.” – Dave Sayer, Bebop Spoken Here

• “From The Earth is a major work by a visionary artist.” – Thom Jurek, AllMusic.com

Recent Awards for From The Earth: A Jazz Suite:

• 2025 World Entertainment Awards

  • Best Jazz Artist – Andromeda Turre

  • Best Jazz Album – From The Earth

  • Best Social Awareness Song – Cryosphere

• 2024 Global Music Awards

  • Silver Medal for Jazz – From The Earth

• New York City Jazz Record

  • Best of Concerts 2024 – From The Earth

• Absolute Sound Magazine

  • Ten Best Jazz Albums of 2024 – From The Earth

About Art Meets Jazz

Art Meets Jazz is a signature performance series at the Montclair Art Museum, celebrating the intersection of music and visual art. By curating performances from renowned jazz musicians within the museum’s inspiring setting, the series creates a multi-sensory experience that deepens the audience’s engagement with both forms of artistic expression.

The series showcases jazz artists who push creative boundaries, mirroring the museum’s commitment to innovation and cultural dialogue. With a rich history of presenting both emerging and legendary musicians, Art Meets Jazz continues to be a highlight for art and music lovers alike.

About the Montclair Art Museum

Founded in 1914, the Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is a leading cultural institution dedicated to celebrating American and Native American art. Located in the heart of Montclair, NJ, the museum houses an impressive collection spanning centuries of artistic expression. MAM is renowned for its innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. Through events like Art Meets Jazz, the museum fosters connections between visual and performing arts, offering audiences a dynamic and enriching cultural experience.

MAM is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, making art and cultural programming available to diverse audiences. Its dedication to education and creative expression has solidified its place as a cherished institution in Montclair and beyond.