Friday–Saturday, February 27–28, 2026

91³ÉÈ˵¼º½â€™s Conservatory of Music is excited to invite you to 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Jazz Festival. This annual event enables music students in local communities to enrich their knowledge and understanding of jazz music. Participation is open to all high-school and junior-college instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles and combos.

Jazz pianist Orrin Evans
2026 Guest Artist
Orrin Evans

An American jazz pianist, band leader and composer, Evans is known for his work as a "Young Lion" in the 1990s, his distinctive energetic and nuanced style, and his prolific career as an independent artist. He studied at Rutgers University and with Kenny Barron, recorded extensively for Criss Cross Jazz, formed his own Captain Black Big Band and was a member of The Bad Plus. Evans is a Grammy Award-nominated musician and has earned a Pew Fellowship in the Arts for his contributions to jazz.

Join Us

$400—group registration fee

Each registered group will perform for 30 minutes. Each performance will be followed by a clinic where 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½'s jazz faculty and guest clinicians will provide feedback.

 

persons playing the guitar and a drum kit
2026 Performances

Friday, February 27 | 7:30 pm
Faye Spanos Concert Hall
91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Jazz Ensemble "Big Band"
and Orrin Evans, piano

Saturday, February 28 | 12 pm
Faye Spanos Concert Hall
91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Jazz Ambassadors
and Orrin Evans, piano
Master class with Evans to follow

TBA

Faculty

Patrick Langham

Patrick Langham

Saxophone | Director of Jazz Studies
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Joe Mazzaferro

Joe Mazzaferro

Trumpet | Associate Director of Jazz Studies
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Jazz guitar Sean Britt

Sean Britt

Guitar
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James Dubberly

James Dubberly

Trombone
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Aaron Garner

Aaron Garner

Piano
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Brian Kendrick

Brian Kendrick

Drums
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Andrew Mell

Andrew Mell

Bass
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