On Sunday, June 21, Norwalk will celebrate one of its most influential native sons with the inaugural Horace Silver Jazz Festival, a free day-long event honoring the life, music, and legacy of legendary jazz pianist and composer Horace Silver.
Hosted at Factory Underground Studio and presented as part of Make Music Day Norwalk, the festival will bring together acclaimed performers, educators, students, and community members for an unforgettable celebration of jazz and local history. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Factory Underground, 16 Isaac Street in Norwalk.
For The Carver, this event carries special meaning because it is the vision of Marc Alan, a longtime friend, advocate, and supporter of Carver youth. Through his leadership at Factory Underground, Marc has repeatedly discovered, mentored, and elevated young artists from our community, helping them find audiences and opportunities to showcase their talents. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians mirrors Carver's belief that every young person deserves the chance to discover and develop their gifts.
"Horace grew up very close to the site of the festival, in the historic Wall Street neighborhood, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1947," Marc said. "I have always wanted to celebrate Horace Silver with a jazz festival named in his honor."
Silver, widely regarded as one of the architects of hard bop jazz, left an indelible mark on American music through classics such as Song for My Father, The Preacher, and Sister Sadie. Fittingly, this first festival coincides with both Make Music Day and Father's Day, creating a meaningful connection to Silver's most beloved composition.
The festival's headline performance will feature the Horace Silver Legacy Quintet, including musicians who performed and recorded with Silver during his celebrated career. Audiences will also enjoy performances by:
The Fred Feeney Quintet
Bela Bardos with acclaimed pianist Steve Sasloe
Lester (Neddy) Smith and Friends
David DeJesus and selected student musicians
Joe Corsello and Friends
In addition to the music, attendees will witness the unveiling of an original portrait of Horace Silver created by noted Norwalk artist Robert Abriola, whose distinguished career includes work with EMI Records and numerous iconic recording artists.
The event is produced by Factory Underground Studio in partnership with JazzFC and is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission, and David's Music Room.
As Carver continues to invest in arts education, student voice, and creative expression through initiatives, we are inspired by leaders like Marc Alan who create opportunities for young people to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
We encourage our students, families, alumni, and supporters to attend this exciting new community event and help launch what promises to become a cherished Norwalk tradition.
First Official Horace Silver Jazz Festival
Sunday, June 21, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Factory Underground Studio
16 Isaac Street, Norwalk, CT
Admission is free. Capacity is limited and advance tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Thank you, Marc, for your friendship, your vision, and your ongoing commitment to helping young artists find their voice. Norwalk—and Carver's students—are better because of it.