The Amelia Island Jazz Festival (AIJF) returns this month to bring jazz music in all its breathtaking variety back to Amelia Island from September 28 to October 5. Set against the charm of Fernandina Beach, this week-long celebration blends the elegance of the island with the pulse of world-class jazz. From sultry sax solos to high-energy swing nights, the festival is more than a series of concerts—it’s a cultural movement that brings people together through sound, spirit, and shared experience.
AIJF began in 2001 when drummer Les DeMerle and his wife, vocalist Bonnie Eisele, fulfilled their dream of creating a diversified jazz festival on Amelia Island. The couple produced the festival for three years prior to its incorporation as a non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With support from the community and their devoted volunteers and sponsors, the festival has grown and thrived.
DeMerle launched his career as drummer at age 16 with jazz vibraphone great Lionel Hampton while still in high school. He then toured for 12 years with jazz trumpet master Harry James and recorded three albums with him, including the Grammy Award-winning King James Version. DeMerle’s own jazz/rock/fusion band, Transfusion, recorded five award-winning LPs.
DeMerle has toured with The Manhattan Transfer and appeared with such musical greats as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mel Tormé, and Joe Williams. A resident of Amelia Island since 1991, Les continues to perform at concerts, festivals, and jazz cruises with his trio, quartet, and Dynamic Les DeMerle Big Band Orchestra featuring Bonnie Eisele, which has recorded 14 CDs.
Eisele is the featured vocalist with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Band. She has appeared on numerous jazz cruises and at many popular jazz clubs, including Somerset’s in Singapore, City Jazz in Orlando, The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, The Venice Jazz Club, and Arturo Sandoval’s in Miami.
She has also toured the U.S. and Europe with the Chicago Free Street Theater, an original musical theater and dance group. Bonnie’s wide-ranging performing experience includes singing at the Chicago Playboy Club, Chicago Fest, Drury Lane Theater, and Miami’s Fontainebleau Resort. She studied music and dance in Brazil on a Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellowship.
This year’s AIJF lineup features world-class jazz in a variety of styles, including Big Band, Dixieland, swing, bebop, Latin, and contemporary, with Grammy-nominated vocalist Jane Monheit and legendary pianist Monty Alexander as headliners. From Big Band and bebop to Latin rhythms and swing nights, the festival offers something for every music lover.
Events include wine tastings, community concerts, late-night jam sessions, and a grand finale New Orleans-style brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or just looking to soak up some soulful sounds in a stunning setting, AIJF is the place to be this fall!
“JAZZ PARTY AT THE REC” ON SEPTEMBER 28 AND JAZZ & WINE TASTING AT THE DECANTERY ON SEPTEMBER 30
The festival kicks off with a free community concert, “Jazz Party at the Rec,” on Sunday, September 28 at noon. The concert features the 21-piece UNF Jazz Ensemble II, directed by Dennis Marks, with special guest artists. Their music comes from all idioms of Big Band jazz, including swing, bop, funk, and fusion. This ensemble consists of high- level jazz student musicians, realizing a wide variety of sound colors and textures. Beyond Horizons Food Truck will be on hand with a specially curated Jazz Fest lunch. The Atlantic Recreation Center is located at 2500 Atlantic Avenue.
Are you a sponsor of the AIJF? If you become a Bronze Saxophone Sponsor or above, then you will receive a special invitation to an exceptional jazz evening hosted by Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele along with special guests on Monday, September 29 at 7 pm.
“This is an exclusive event featuring special guest artists, along with hors d’oeuvres and beverages,” says DeMerle. “Our sponsors make the magic of the AIJF possible, and we want to show our appreciation.” This year’s Sponsor Party will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites at 2700 Atlantic Avenue.
On Tuesday, September 30, get ready to sip and swing at a unique AIJF Jazz and Wine Tasting special event. Indulge in a unique selection of exquisite wines expertly paired with sensational jazz tunes, each enhancing the other’s flavor. Limited space is available, so get your tickets early—these shows usually sell out fast.
“Join us for the Jazztet,” says DeMerle. “Featured artists include Doug Matthews, piano; Paul Tafoya, trumpet; Ajax McDonell, saxophone; Bonnie Eisele, vocals; and myself on drums and vocals. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of fine wine and cool jazz!” Jazz and Wine Tastings will be held at The Decantery at 117 Centre Street, featuring two shows: one from 5 to 6:30 pm, and another from 7 to 8:30 pm.
JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT ON OCTOBER 1 AND LATIN JAZZ CONCERT & DANCE ON OCTOBER 2
On Wednesday, October 1 at 7 pm, Jump, Jive & Wail/Swing Night will have you dancing your way into a swingin’ good time at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites by Marriott. Join the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band, featuring the soulful vocals of Bonnie Eisele, and dance the night away to the Big Band sounds. Enjoy the powerful sound of Jim Malmgren‘s trumpet, Clarence Hines’s trombone, the smokin’ sax section of Don Zentz and Ajax McDonell, and the driving piano of Doug Matthews. Ricky Ravelo lays down the bass line, while Les DeMerle himself keeps the beat on drums and adds his own vocal stylings.
On Thursday, October 2 at 7 pm, unleash your inner mambo at the AIJF’s sizzling Latin Jazz Concert and Dance. Tony Cruz and the Latin Jazz Legends will set the stage on fire with irresistible rhythms that will have you moving all night long! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love the energy of Latin music, this is a night you won’t want to miss. The concert and dance will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites, 2700 Atlantic Avenue and offers a cash bar.
HEADLINER JANE MONHEIT ON OCTOBER 3 AT THE COURTYARD AMELIA ISLAND/SPRINGHILL SUITES
Join festivalgoers for a truly special night as internationally renowned jazz vocalist Jane Monheit graces the AIJF stage on Friday, October 3. With a voice described as lush, expressive, and effortlessly emotional, Jane has enchanted audiences around the globe with her heartfelt interpretations of jazz standards and the Great American Songbook.
“A Grammy-nominated artist, Jane brings both technical brilliance and emotional depth to every performance. Her ability to connect with the audience through song creates an intimate and unforgettable concert experience,” says DeMerle. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to the genre, this is a performance you won’t want to miss. Treat yourself to an evening of extraordinary music, world-class talent, and the unmatched ambiance of live jazz under the stars. The 7 pm concert will be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites. The Les DeMerle Jazz Quintet will open the show.
After the headliner shows on Friday and Saturday nights, all are invited to the Late Nite Jam, Bebop, Blues, and Beyond, at Mocama Beer Company at 629 S. 8th Street from 10 pm to midnight. This is a great spontaneous jazz jam session with the musicians relaxing after their main gigs – and you never know who might take the stage! But we can for sure tell you that the 2025 AIJF Scholarship winner, UNF Jazz student percussionist Aiden Dubberly, will have the mic.
HEADLINER MONTY ALEXANDER ON OCTOBER 4 AT THE COURTYARD AMELIA ISLAND/SPRINGHILL SUITES
Experience an extraordinary night of live jazz On Saturday, October 4 at 7 pm as world-renowned pianist Monty Alexander takes the stage at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival. With a career spanning more than 60 years, Monty is celebrated for his vibrant blend of American jazz traditions and the rich rhythms of his Jamaican heritage.
“Known for his joyful energy and masterful improvisation, Monty’s piano style is both technically dazzling and deeply soulful. He will be joined by two outstanding musicians—Luke Sellick on bass and Jason Brown on drums—forming a dynamic trio that brings the music to life with depth, groove, and spontaneity,” says DeMerle.
Whether delivering swinging standards, reggae-infused rhythms, or lyrical ballads, Monty Alexander brings unmatched passion and charisma to every performance. His music speaks across cultures and generations, making him one of the most beloved jazz pianists in the world today. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of world-class jazz and pure musical joy, performed by one of the true legends of the piano. This concert will also be held at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites with The Les DeMerle Jazz Quintet opening.
DIXIE TO SWING JAZZ BRUNCH ON OCTOBER 5 WITH THE SPARE RIB SIX
And to wrap up the weeklong festival, come out for the Dixie to Swing Jazz Brunch on Sunday, October 5 at Courtyard Amelia Island/Springhill Suites. Indulge in a delectable Jazz Festival Menu while grooving to the sounds of The Spare Rib Six. This all-star ensemble features trumpet master Longineu Parsons, the soulful clarinet of Dr. Bill Prince, the smooth trombone of Bill Hazlett, the legendary piano stylings of Doug Matthews, the ever-grooving Dennis Marks on bass, and the dynamic Les DeMerle on drums and vocals. Adding her vocal magic is the sensational Bonnie Eisele. There will be two seatings: one at 10:30 am, and the second at 1 pm.
PARK WEST GALLERY ART AUCTION SPONSORS AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
The AIJF is thankful for donations from corporate and individual sponsors, along with countless volunteers. Since 2014, Park West Gallery, the world’s largest art dealer, has sponsored the festival with auctions and also provides original art annually for the festival’s posters and event brochures. This year’s AIJF poster was created by artist John “Ziggy” O’Leary, who is a well-known fixture in the Las Vegas art world. O’Leary is a former graffiti artist who studied at one of New York City’s most prestigious art schools. In 2022, Ziggy was selected as one of the Top 3 Finalists for Park West’s annual Made in Vegas artist competition.
“AIJF has earned the admiration of jazz legends across generations. Endorsed by icons like Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett, and graced by former headliners such as The Manhattan Transfer, David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Buckwheat Zydeco, David Benoit, Mindi Abair, Randy Brecker, Kevin Mahogany, Houston Person, and Delfeayo Marsalis, the festival stands as a beacon of excellence in the jazz world,” concludes DeMerle.
DeMerle’s passion is palpable, and he and Bonnie are building a legacy by showcasing world-class talent, nurturing young musicians, and creating unforgettable experiences that unite people through the universal language of jazz. AIJF is more than a festival—it’s a movement!
Tickets and information about festival events and artists are all available online at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com, along with a special Jazz Pass offering for all the concerts at a special rate.