Kennett Jazz and Funk Fest

From April 24 to 26, Kennett’s fifth annual Jazz and Funk Fest will take place all over the town. Starting at the Flash, then the Kennett library, and culminating at the Creamery, it is planned to be a weekend of unity and music. Behind the scenes are talented musicians working tirelessly to piece together the iconic event that innovates itself each year.

Meet Jeff Piscitello, Dave Mattock, and Tom Patti. All talented and trained artists have spent quite a time in the music scene and immersed themselves in the world of jazz and funk. As drummers, keyboardists, and guitarists, the three performers have a solid role and involvement in the music world around them. Specialist Dave Mattock responded, "Professionally, I've been playing since 1989. I’m very associated with the area’s music community. I have a school with a decent size, including hundreds of students. I am also on the board of the Kennett Flash.” Piscitello stated, “We have good connections as musicians to the people we want to see perform at the Jazz Festival.” Practice makes perfect, as Tom Patti illustrated his journey of encountering the music society: “I've been playing professionally since probably the early 90s. My dad took me to my first professional gig when I was thirteen. I played, and I got paid.” 

The skilled musicians behind the festival have reminisced on their first times playing professionally. “I still have my very first tip I got at my cousin’s wedding when I was seventeen. My crazy uncle gave me a two-dollar bill. I kept it in my wallet for years,” said Dave Mattock. Though their roads to music might’ve been different, they all have a common ground; they enjoy getting together in various forms to play and listen to music. By putting on Jazz Fest each year, the goal is to mimic the same idea, to make an impact on the community by coming together as a whole through music. 

How did Jazz Fest come about? “It was kind of on a whim,” said Jeff. The event originally began

as a micro-gathering at Kennett Brewing Company. “We wanted something that would help the jazz world and area, those of us who love the jazz thing.” Just like that, the objective to congregate while enjoying jazz music, introducing others to the realm of jazz, and giving other artists a chance to perform bloomed. It was mapped out to take place around the last week of April each year, as spring peaks and Easter conjure up excitement. At the festival, Jazz Fest works with other companies to provide volunteers and venues at the event. “An important one to note is Machael Hahn from the Kennett Flash; he provides the infrastructure between ticketing and sound staff.” In addition, Jazz Fest is a completely nonprofit organization.  All proceeds and funds are raised to provide financial support for the If Not for Music Foundation. Due to this, the mission of providing financial aid and musical instruments for all aspiring musicians is able to continue.

Photo by Jeff Pish

During the Kennett Jazz and Funk Festival, bands and musicians are given the opportunity to play in front of audiences. Piscitello, Mattock, and Patti weave through the number of applications and listen for samples that are the best fit for the event. “It’s like a fantasy sports draft,” Piscitello laughed. By going through with this process, Jazz Fest has noticed a significant growth in the attraction. Starting as a community gathering of musicians, the festival has grown to become more county-wide, with nights of connection, bands, and creativity. The kicker to this is that even high schools can opt to apply, which naturally bridges the gap between age groups. 

In the future, there are plans to continue and expand Jazz Fest, just like there are modifications every year. In contrast to previous years, the 2026 Jazz Fest now has an entirely new genre of music added to it. Instead of being labeled with just jazz, it is also Jazz and Funk. The group wholeheartedly cares about the audience’s perspective on the music and opportunities for impact. ”This day, so many people have iPhones, computers, or apps, but this is the most organic form of entertainment.” They all hope to proceed with this fun-filled occurrence for years to come. According to Tom Patti, “The big thing for me is continuing to cultivate even the student musicians aspect and bringing kids into a particular genre of music and bringing them up the correct way in front of groups of people to me is really exciting.”