Third Annual Jazz & Roots Music Festival to Take Place at Kean University



(HILLSIDE, NJ) — Kean University and internationally acclaimed bassist/producer Mike Griot will present the third annual Jazz & Roots Music Festival, a free, public, outdoor music event, on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in Hillside on The Lawn at Enlow Hall. The festival begins at 3:30pm. The lineup includes Third World, Stefon Harris & Blackout, King Solomon Hicks, and Prince Hakim.

Food trucks at the festival include: The Empanada Truck, Latin Bites, BelleJohns, Soul Food LLC, Cold Stone Creamery, Grandma Emmas, Kona Ice, Cool Runnings Cuisine, Hadez Food Truck, Big John’s and Gourmet Burgers LLC.1

Vendors at the festival include: Nitjuan Designs, BeYoutiful Creations LLC, Urban Glo Brand, I’m So Yoga, BeautyFullPeaces, Cathaysweethavens, Geejay Arts, Holleewood Jewels, and Arts World.

Third World – They are one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion.” The group has 9 Grammy nominations and a catalog of charted smash hits, including (Now That We Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade and Try Jah Love), spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages.

Stefon Harris & Blackout – Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz (The Los Angeles Times).” He is unquestionably developing what will be a long and extraordinary career.

King Solomon Hicks – The 26-year-old guitar phenom from Harlem, New York is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and composer. He has invested in music from a very young age and started playing guitar at just six years old.

Prince Hakim – Influenced by the sound of the 80’s and today, Prince Hakim has traveled from New York to Tokyo sharing his passion, and spreading his message to “Celebrate Life.”

The Lawn at Enlow Hall is located on the East Campus of Kean University, behind the Nathan Weiss Graduate College building  (215 North Avenue) in Hillside, New Jersey.