Champaign Urbana
Jazz
Festival
OCT 2026
Oct 14 - 18
Joni Mitchell Revisited
Wednesday October 14
5 - 7pm
Rose Bowl
Joni Mitchell's influence reaches over four decades and across genres. This project features a special festival nonet with new arrangements of our favorites Joni tunes. Sung by Zandi Moreano come experience and revisit the magic and wonder of this music.
Kyle Swan Quartet
Thursday October 15
530 - 7pm
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 5
Kyle Swan can be found performing at jazz clubs and teaching master classes and privately all around Chicago, country, and abroad. As a student of the Black American Artform that is Jazz, Kyle has devoted quality time to his musical evolution, instruction, and mastery.
Leap Day Trio
Friday October 16
6 - 8pm
Gallery ArtBar, Urbana
Based in sonic exploration and the joy of making music together, this trio is not to be missed. Come hear Matt Wilson, Jeff Lederer and Mimi Jones whirl, create and exalt with you. Rumour says there might even be a new album on the way.
Allison Philips 4tet
Saturday October 17
6 - 8pm
Gallery ArtBar, Urbana
Allison Philips is a Brooklyn-based trumpet player, composer, and educator. From the traditional trio setting to genre-bending explorations via electronics, Allison is always searching for new ground.
Jazz Brunch
Sunday October 18
1130am - 1pm
Location TBA
Festival favorite brings an intimate setting with special festival menu, and a featured performer. A great way to spend the morning with some jazz!
TIckets - $25
Hot Fives: John Cooper
Thursday October 8
3 - 5pm
301 N Neil St, #201, Champaign
OLLI
Join John Cooper as we explore the musical recording of Louis Aromstrong's pivotal albums with the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens. Bringing period instruments and a depth of knowledge, we will listen and learn the nuances and context for these foundational albums.
Kinsey Fitzgerald, Listening with Scissors
Wednesday October 21
6 - 8pm
Royer House, 801 W Oregon St, Urbana
Inspired by Matisse and the cut-out project he called Drawing with Scissors, we will create original visual works. During the workshop, we will listen to live jazz and create our own visual vocabulary, then work to express and create in response.