THURSDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20-23, 2025
HAMMERSCHMIDT
About the JAZZ FESTIVAL
Rich in both tradition and innovation, the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival has been operating continuously for over half a century. The first Festival, presented in 1968, rose from the ashes of the now-defunct American College Jazz Festival, which was comprised of eight regional sites throughout the United States. Elmhurst University (then Elmhurst College) hosted the Midwest event. Each regional festival produced a winning band, combo, and vocalist, who then performed at a national festival on Memorial Day weekend. American Airlines, Budweiser, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts sponsored the annual extravaganza. The national festival expired in 1973, but Elmhurst continued its festival with a new approach: instead of a winner-take-all format, the emphasis was shifted from competition to education. Since then, our guest artists/adjudicators have offered constructive critiques of each performing group, conducted clinics, and demonstrated their skill in concerts. The artists also grant awards to outstanding ensembles, individual musicians, and student composers and arrangers.
Recent additions to the Festival experience have further increased its educational value. For the fourth consecutive year, our guest artists/adjudicators will emerge from the shadows of the Chapel balcony to provide onstage, on-mic, on-camera comments following each student ensemble’s performance. Bands participating in the High School Invitational will have the opportunity to receive feedback not only from our outstanding guest artists, but from members of our world-class Elmhurst University jazz faculty as well. The Saturday morning clinic with guest artists Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle offers yet another opportunity for both students and the public to learn from these masterful musicians.
Since presenting the 2021 Festival entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gone on to offer our audience the best of both worlds: in addition to our traditional live,
in-person format, we have continued to offer a livestream option to make our programming more widely accessible. Over the years, the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival has hosted some of the most iconic names in jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, the Dave Holland Quintet, Nicholas Payton, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Bill Holman Band, the Phil Woods Quintet, the Count Basie Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson, Patti Austin, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the Joe Lovano Quartet, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, The Jeff Hamilton Trio, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project, The Dave Douglas Quintet, and Kurt Elling all have graced our stage.
Since 1968, there have been countless memorable moments. Many of them have been the performances by the legendary artists who make the journey to our stage each year, but a great number of those magical moments have come from the student musicians themselves. They deliver heartfelt performances and give the audiences all they have and more. Many former Festival participants have gone on to careers in music and have made their mark in the art form. Professionals who performed here as students include Delfeayo Marsalis, Rich Perry, Cecil Bridgewater, John Harmon, John Fedchock, Peter Erskine, Tim Hagans and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
The Festival is above all else a forum for jazz education. It is a gathering where some of the world’s most acclaimed artists come together with the next generation of musicians not only to perform the music, but also to study it. The Festival is a place where students have access to some of the best musicians in the business and can ask them directly about their artistry. With our expansion into the digital realm, jazz fans across the world can now witness the magic that takes place on our Chapel stage each year. It is indeed a special happening: a rare blend of educational enrichment and exciting entertainment. Welcome to our celebration of America's sublime art form.
2026 JAZZ FESTIVAL DATES
THE 59TH ANNUAL ELMHURST UNIVERSITY
JAZZ FESTIVAL
Thursday-Sunday, February 26 - March 1, 2026
Visit our website at elmhurst.edu/JazzFestival for updated information.
Follow Elmhurst University: /elmhurstuniversity /elmhurst_u /eujazzfestival /elmhurstuniversitymusic
Our JAZZ ART
Past Festivals introduced you to Elmhurst University Jazz Band vocalist Bethany Norman , class of 2009. She remains a major visual voice in the Festival through her painted banners which adorn the Chapel windows each year. Her exquisite work has transformed a place of worship into a cathedral that celebrates America’s native musical art, jazz, at least for a few glorious days each February.
This year’s signature artwork, featured on the poster and the program cover, was created by Melanie P. Brown (b. 1972), an exhibiting painter and teaching artist living and working in Chicago. Since 2020, Brown’s work has been primarily focused as a response to sound and music. She has performed live painting during collaborations with Ryan Ingebritsen, Jeff Yang, Eric Mahle, and the Ursa Ensemble, and she also performs live painting regularly during concerts at Fulton Street Collective. A longtime teacher and former program director at Lillstreet Art Center, Brown has been painting and teaching for 19 years in Chicago alongside children and adults of all ages. Melanie holds a B.A. from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and an M.F.A. in Painting from The American University in Washington, D.C.
High School INVITATIONAL
Primary funding for the High School Invitational has been provided by the Sylvia and William W. Gretsch Memorial Foundation. Additional support provided by an anonymous donor.
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival has been a model of excellence for over half a century. An important part of that tradition is the High School Invitational, which began in 1980 and carried on through 1991. After a 21-year hiatus, it returned in 2012 and has continued ever since.
Each school is allotted 30 minutes of stage time, followed by a clinic offstage with one of our Festival guest artists (Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle) and a member of the Elmhurst University jazz faculty.
In the middle of the day, the guest artists will give a performance with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band.
9:30 a.m.
• Lake Central High School (St. John, Indiana)
• Naperville Central High School (Naperville, Illinois)
• Whitney M. Young High School (Chicago, Illinois)
• Oak Park and River Forest High School (Oak Park, Illinois) 12:00 p.m. (approx.)
• Performance by Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band
Elmhurst University uses Gretsch drum sets exclusively.
1:30 p.m.
• St. Charles East High School (St. Charles, Illinois)
• Fenton High School (Bensenville, Illinois)
• Addison Trail High School (Addison, Illinois)
• Glenbard East High School (Lombard, Illinois)
Matt Wilson and Sean Jones working with high school students during the 2018 High School Invitational
High School PARTICIPANTS
Lake Central High School joins us from St. John, Indiana for a repeat appearance at the High School Invitational. Lake Central has two jazz ensembles, which perform in several concerts and jazz festivals throughout the school year. Their top jazz band, under the direction of Elliot Smith, opens the Thursday morning session.
Naperville Central High School appears once again at the High School Invitational with their Jazz Studio Orchestra, under the direction of DJ Alstadt. The Jazz Studio Orchestra is one of three jazz ensembles offered at NCHS, and they have performed at the Illinois Music Educators Conference multiple times.
Whitney M. Young High School returns to the Invitational with a performance directed by Jim Barbick. Whitney M. Young is a public four-year magnet high school and middle school located on the near west side of Chicago. Their band program prides itself on its tradition of excellence as well as its commitment to equity measures, providing students with need-based funding for lessons and other resources.
Oak Park and River Forest High School is represented at the Invitational for the first time by their Jazz Ensemble, directed by Anthony Svejda. The school’s top jazz band, Jazz Ensemble has received outstanding awards at many local and regional festivals, including Honor Band and/or in the top 2-4 bands at the last twelve Purdue Jazz Festivals. The OPRF Jazz Program also continues to be one of the most represented schools at the annual ILMEA festival. OPRF jazz students have performed with wellknown jazz artists including Ryan Cohan, Orbert Davis, Tamir Hendelman, John Fedchock, and many more. They have also opened for Kurt Elling and several professional Chicago-based big bands.
HISTORY OF HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS
Addison Trail High School, IL
Ashwaubenon High School, WI
Badger High School, WI
Barrington High School, IL
Batavia High School, IL
Belleville High School East, IL
Big Foot High School, WI
Bloomington High School North, IN
Buffalo Grove High School, IL
Carl Schurz High School, IL
Case High School, WI
Castle High School, IN
Cedarburg High School, WI
Champaign Central High School, IL
Chesterton High School, IN
Chicago Academy for the Arts, IL
Curie Metro High School, IL
Danville High School, IL
Decatur MacArthur High School, IL
Downers Grove North High School, IL
Downers Grove South High School, IL
Dundee-Crown High School, IL
East St. Louis Lincoln High School, IL
Elk Grove High School, IL
Elkhart Central High School, IN
Fargo South High School, SD
St. Charles East High School joins us once again from the western Chicago suburb of St. Charles, Illinois. The Jazz Band, directed by Gil Wukitsch, recently opened for the Shout Section Big Band and sent three students to the ILMEA District 9 Senior Jazz Festival. They will open the Thursday afternoon session of the Invitational.
Fenton High School joins us from nearby Bensenville, Illinois for their first appearance at the High School Invitational. The top jazz band at FHS, Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned, extracurricular ensemble that performs on campus, at community events, and at various music festivals under the direction of Garrett George.
The Addison Trail High School Jazz Ensemble is a dynamic group of musicians ranging from freshmen to seniors, directed by Michael Kennedy. Rehearsing daily, these students refine their craft through a diverse repertoire that spans classic swing, bebop, Latin jazz, and contemporary styles. The Jazz Ensemble has performed throughout the Chicagoland area, sharing the stage with renowned professional big bands such as The Shout Section Big Band, The Pete Ellman Big Band, and The Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra. This marks the ensemble’s second appearance at the Invitational.
In their Invitational debut, Glenbard East High School closes out the Thursday afternoon session with a performance by their Jazz Ensemble featuring Vocal Jazz Workshop. Directed by Elmhurst University alumna Tara Cappelletti, these ensembles feature musicians in 9th-12th grades. Over the years, Glenbard East jazz students have had the opportunity to work with clinicians such as Doug Beach, Bob Rummage, Rich Moore, and Ian Nevins, and have performed at the Naperville Jazz Festival.
Forest View High School, IL
Glenbard East High School, IL
Hinsdale Central High School, IL
Hinsdale South High School, IL
Horlick High School, WI
John Hersey High School, IL
Lakes Community High School, IL
Lake Central High School, IN
Leyden High School, IL
Libertyville High School, IL
Lincoln Park High School, IL
Lincoln-Way Central High School, IL
Lyons Township High School, IL
McHenry West High School, IL
Metea Valley High School, IL
Milwaukee Lutheran High School, WI
Mundelein High School, IL
Naperville Central High School, IL
New Trier High School, IL
Northview High School, MI
Notre Dame High School, IL
Oak Lawn Community High School, IL
Oak Park and River Forest High School, IL
Oregon High School, IL
Oswego High School, IL
Peoria Woodruff High School, IL
Portage High School, IN
Pritzker College Prep, IL
Proviso West High School, IL
Rauner College Prep, IL
Richwoods High School, IL
Riverside Brookfield High School, IL
Rolling Meadows High School, IL
St. Charles East High School, IL
St. Charles North High School, IL
Streamwood High School, IL
Thornridge High School, IL
Warren Township High School, IL
Washington Park High School, WI
Waukesha West High School, WI
Wauwatosa West High School, WI
West Aurora High School, IL
Westmont High School, IL
Westside High School, NE
Wheaton South High School, IL
Wheeling High School, IL
Whitewater High School, WI
Whitney Young High School, IL
York High School, IL
Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage, IL
Feature PERFORMANCES
WDR BIG BAND, DIRECTED BY BOB MINTZER
The GRAMMY-winning WDR Big Band is widely regarded as one of the best big bands in the world. Produced by public broadcaster WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk) in Cologne, Germany, the band enjoys an international reputation for its virtuosic soloists, its impressive catalogue of recordings, and its numerous collaborations with jazz greats and pop stars.
Formed in 1946 as the Kölner Rundfunk-Tanzorchester (Cologne Broadcasting Dance Orchestra), the band initially focused on traditional and classical music, following the tradition of other European radio orchestras. The band shifted towards jazz in 1957, when Kurt Edelhagen became the group’s leader. Their repertoire eventually transitioned entirely to jazz; even in the early years of this era they collaborated with prominent American jazz musicians like Gil Evans, Jim McNeely, and John Scofield. Since then, the WDR Big Band has collaborated with countless jazz legends, received six GRAMMY nominations, and collected a GRAMMY for their album Some Skunk Funk (2005).
Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader Bob Mintzer was appointed chief conductor of the WDR Big Band in 2016. Mintzer began his career playing under some of the world’s most famous bandleaders (Buddy Rich, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Sam Jones) while also developing his voice as a composer and arranger. He has written over five hundred big band arrangements and played on more than a thousand recordings, including dozens of his own as a leader.
Over the past five decades, Mintzer has shared the stage with Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Jaco Pastorius, Mike Manieri, Randy Brecker, the New York Philharmonic, and many more. Since 1990, Mintzer has also been a member of fusion band the Yellowjackets, with whom he can be heard on Friday night. Also a respected educator, Mintzer has written several jazz study books and holds the Barbara and Buzz McCoy endowed chair at the USC Thornton School of Music.
The Festival is thrilled to welcome Bob Mintzer for the fourth time as he leads the WDR Big Band in their Festival debut. The band can be heard three times this weekend: on Friday night (with the Yellowjackets), Saturday night (with Dave Stryker), and Sunday afternoon.
Feature PERFORMANCES
YELLOWJACKETS
Throughout their storied 48-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded thirty albums, received 17 GRAMMY nominations (winning twice), performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford and recorded their first album together in 1980. The self-titled record made serious waves in jazz radio with both critics and the public. Shortly after that recording, however, Ford parted ways with the band to pursue a different musical direction. As a result, the modern day Yellowjackets were formed — a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer in 1990, the Yellowjackets have gained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups.
Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, but all the while it has maintained the same extraordinarily high quality of musicianship that they have always been known for. The most recent addition to the band was Australian bass player Dane Alderson, in 2015. The current Yellowjackets lineup has recorded four albums together, including the GRAMMY-nominated Jackets XL with the WDR Big Band (directed by longtime Yellowjackets member Bob Mintzer).
In their first-ever Festival appearance and second performance on the Elmhurst University campus (having previously headlined June Jazz), the Yellowjackets will share the Festival stage with the WDR Big Band on Friday night.
DAVE STRYKER
Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker fronting his own group or as a featured sideman with other jazz greats, you know why he’s been named a top jazz guitarist by DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls seventeen times, and why The Village Voice called him "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.”
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Stryker launched his career in New York City in the 1980s playing with organist Jack McDuff and tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. In the years since, his impressive list of collaborators has grown to include Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano, and many others.
Stryker has recorded 37 albums to date as a leader, seven of which consecutively topped the JazzWeek Radio Chart in recent years. Recent highlights include 2022’s As We Are, featuring John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Julian Shore and string quartet, and 2023’s Prime, which Stryker recorded with his longtime working trio right after they opened for Steely Dan’s summer 2022 tour. His latest, Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies, was released just last month and has already hit JazzWeek’s top ten.
An in-demand educator, Stryker is Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, and the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. His online teaching school can be found at www.artistworks.com, and his book Dave Stryker’s Jazz Guitar Improvisation Method Vol III is available on his website at www.davestryker.com.
Dave Stryker and Bob Mintzer have been friends and collaborators for many years. In 2019, Stryker recorded Blue Soul with Mintzer and the WDR Big Band. After guesting with the Dave Stryker Trio on several tours, Mintzer teamed up with them again to record Groove Street (2024). Stryker and Mintzer will reunite Saturday night in a performance with the WDR Big Band that marks Stryker’s first appearance at the Festival.
Guest ARTISTS/ADJUDICATORS
SHAREL CASSITY
Saxophonist, flutist, and educator Sharel Cassity is a prominent fixture on the New York and Chicago jazz scenes, with a growing reputation around the world. Voted the 2023 "Rising Star - Alto Saxophone" and having a cover feature in DownBeat magazine, she has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert She is in the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award.
Cassity has worked with Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Natalie Merchant, Vanessa Williams, and Trisha Yearwood, and many others. An avid jazz artist, she has also performed with NEA Jazz Masters Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, and Gary Bartz, and is a current Dizzy Gillespie Latin Experience and All-Star Big Band member. Cassity has toured 24 countries and performed at leading venues like the Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. She has been a featured soloist with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and was lead alto in the Diva Jazz Orchestra from 2007-2014 and performed in Wynton Marsalis' Broadway musical After Midnight
Cassity's five albums as a leader have received top-rated reviews in publications like the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, JazzTimes, Jazziz, and American Indian News. Cassity
DANNY GOTTLIEB
Danny Gottlieb is one of the most popular drummers in jazz and contemporary music. Although best known as the drummer in the original Pat Metheny Group, during the past thirty years he has performed and recorded with some of the world’s greatest musicians. They include: Bobby McFerrin, Sting, John McLaughlin, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Chick Corea, David Byrne, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Clark Terry, Al Di Meola, The Blues Brothers Band, Booker T. and the MGs, the NDR Big Band, WDR Big Band, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, and many more. He is featured on more than three hundred albums to date, including four GRAMMY winners.
has co-led recent releases by groups Altoizm, Precarious Towers, and her 2024 female collaboration, Alliance. An advocate for jazz education, Cassity established the nonprofit educational program "Jazz Up!", which brings jazz professionals to suburban students who cannot go to hear live jazz or play in combo settings. She is a jazz professor in the Chicago area, teaching at both DePaul University and Elgin Community College.
Sharel Cassity is a proud Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist, exclusively playing Yamaha instruments and Vandoren equipment. This is her first appearance at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival.
Gottlieb has been featured on the cover of Modern Drummer, DownBeat, Drums and Percussion, Rhythm, and Drum Scene magazines. He currently authors a monthly article about jazz drumming for DRUM! magazine.
In addition to his career as a performing and recording artist, Gottlieb is also an accomplished educator. He is currently a Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida and recently released an acclaimed drum set textbook, The Evolution of Jazz Drumming (Hudson/Hal Leonard). He has also released 10 educational drum DVDs, including three with the legendary Joe Morello (Natural Drumming, Vol. 1-3, Mel Bay). He has co-authored two texts with Michael Green: The Drummer’s Workbook for Control and Creativity and Essential Jazz Percussion Drumming In the Style of the Modern Jazz Masters (Mel Bay).
Danny Gottlieb currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, percussionist Beth Gottlieb. Since 2004, they have both been members of actor/bassist Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, which performs dozens of concerts per year around the world benefiting the USO and the U.S. military.
We are pleased to welcome Danny Gottlieb for his first appearance at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival.
Guest ARTISTS/ADJUDICATORS
RYAN KEBERLE
Hailed in the JazzTimes International Critics Poll as the top trombonist of 2020, a player “of vision and composure” according to The New York Times, Ryan Keberle has developed a one-of-a-kind voice both on his instrument and as a composer, earning distinction among jazz’s most adventurous new voices.
Keberle’s music integrates his wide-ranging experiences into a highly personal vernacular — immersed in jazz tradition, drawing on world music, indie rock and other influences, seeking fresh and original pathways. His outlets include the celebrated indie jazz ensemble Catharsis; the Big Band Living Legacy Project, carrying on the rich musical language of big band jazz featuring top veteran players in the idiom; the All Ears Orchestra, featuring his original compositions and arrangements for jazz orchestra; and Reverso, a chamber-jazz collaboration.
Ryan Keberle has toured internationally as a bandleader with both Catharsis and Reverso for years, playing many of the world’s top jazz festivals and clubs. Keberle’s music has also been featured in NPR’s prestigious Tiny Desk Concert series.
In addition to performing his own music, Keberle has performed extensively with acclaimed indie songwriter Sufjan Stevens and has also played in the Saturday Night Live House Band, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Darcy James Argue’s big band Secret Society, and the big bands of Pedro Giraudo and Miguel Zenón. He has also accompanied soul hitmakers Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake as well as jazz legends Rufus Reid and Wynton Marsalis.
Keberle was awarded a New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation. He has
also been recognized with the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation’s French American Exchange and Tour Support grants and its Special Presenter Initiative, as well as the South Arts Jazz Road and USArtists International Grant.
Aside from his successful performance career, Keberle has also developed a reputation as one of the leading jazz educators in New York City and beyond. In 2001 he was appointed the artistic director of New York City’s first youth jazz orchestra, Jazz Band Classic. Since 2004, he has also directed the burgeoning jazz program at City University’s Hunter College.
Ryan Keberle has previously appeared at the Festival with the Maria Schneider Orchestra and returns this year for his first stint as a guest artist/adjudicator.
Festival PARTICIPANTS in alphabetical order
The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra, directed by Scott Garlock, returns to the Festival this year with a performance on Saturday afternoon. For over 50 years, AUJO has brought an outstanding mix of traditional and contemporary forms of big band jazz to Northern Ohio and beyond, receiving awards at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, University of Louisville Jazz Festival, and many others. Each year, AUJO hosts the Maplerock Jazz Festival in March; among the recent guest artists are Wycliffe Gordon, Mike Tomaro, Mike Lee, Benny Green and Matt Wilson. The group tours annually, with European treks every four years.
Established over 50 years ago, the 18-piece, award-winning Capital University Big Band is the flagship ensemble of the conservatory's jazz area. The group has performed across the United States and Europe at numerous festivals such as Jazz à Vienne, The North Sea Festival, and the annual Jazz Education Network Conference. Recent guest artists include Alexa Tarantino, Patrick Bartley, and Jon Irabagon. The CU Big Band performs on Saturday afternoon.
A frequent presence at the Festival, the DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble from College of DuPage appears on Sunday under the leadership of Matt Shevitz. The ensemble gives numerous performances each year both on- and off-campus, and has accompanied guest artists such as Fareed Haque, Dee Alexander, Jens Lindemann, Victor Garcia, and Mark Colby. In 2004, the ensemble was recognized by the United States House of Representatives for its work on behalf of the Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund. COD is Illinois’ largest community college and houses Chicagoland’s preeminent jazz radio station WDCB 90.9 FM, an oasis for jazz lovers.
The award-winning Columbia College Fusion Ensemble performs contemporary jazz and original music, blending elements of jazz, R&B, and rock. The ensemble has performed with Tia Fuller, Donny McCaslin, Stefon Harris, and many other nationally known jazz artists at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. They also performed with Wycliff Gordon at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans. The ensemble has been performing at the Elmhurst and Notre Dame Jazz festivals for the past ten years, receiving outstanding performance awards every year. It has also won numerous DownBeat Student Music Awards, including Best Jazz Combo. This year they can be heard in the Friday afternoon session.
Host Elmhurst University is represented by three ensembles at the 58th Festival. Gayle Bisesi’s renowned Late Night Blues vocal jazz ensemble kicks off the Friday afternoon session. Elmhurst’s top combo performs later that afternoon under Neal Alger. The internationally-acclaimed Elmhurst University Jazz Band, directed by Kirk Garrison, will perform on Thursday afternoon and Saturday night with our three guest artists/adjudicators, and will perform a set of their own on Sunday afternoon.
The Harper College Jazz Ensemble features students from diverse musical backgrounds and showcases a wide range of styles, from classic big band arrangements to contemporary compositions. Through regular performances and community outreach, the Harper College Jazz Ensemble not only enriches the cultural landscape of the college but also fosters a love for jazz among audiences and aspiring musicians alike. Directed by Kirby Fellis, the Jazz Ensemble can be heard on Sunday afternoon.
Hillsdale College joins us once again this year, all the way from south central Michigan. The Big Band is a large jazz ensemble composed primarily of non-music majors and modeled after the standard instrumentation of the popular groups of the swing era. The ensemble performs standard charts as well as new compositions, and maintains an active performing schedule both on and off campus. Founding director Chris McCourry leads the Big Band in their Sunday afternoon performance.
Illinois Wesleyan University joins us once again from Bloomington, Illinois. The Jazz Combo focuses on developing students’ knowledge of jazz repertoire and honing their improvisation skills. This talented trio has ample opportunities to perform, record music, create and play original compositions, and arrange existing pieces. Under the direction of Dr. Reginald Lewis, the Jazz Combo opens the Sunday session this year.
A Festival regular, the Joliet Junior College Jazz Band is a community group consisting of a wide range of ages and experience levels. Directed by Rich Moore, the ensemble provides an educational and creative outlet for both traditional and non-traditional students residing in the Joliet Junior College District 525. Notable performances include recreations of historically significant big band recordings, such as Count Basie’s Kansas City Suite, Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite, and Central City Sketches by Benny Carter and the American Jazz Orchestra. The JJC Jazz Band takes the stage on Sunday afternoon.
Kansas City Kansas Community College returns to the Festival this year with the 1:00 Jazz Combo and the Blue Devil Funk Band, both of which have earned DownBeat Student Music Awards in recent years. Led by Dr. Justin Binek, The Blue Devil Funk Band performs a wide range of jazz-inspired, funk, and R&B repertoire, as well as original compositions by band members. They presented feature performances at the 2023 Jazz Education Network and Kansas Music Educators Association conferences. The 1:00 Jazz Combo, directed by Brett Jackson, is the school’s premiere small instrumental jazz group, performing a mixture of jazz standards and student originals. Both ensembles can be heard on Friday afternoon.
The Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra takes the stage on Friday afternoon, under the direction of Derrick Gardner. The NUJO is primarily composed of graduate students and upperclassmen majoring in music within the Jazz Studies program. Throughout the academic year, NUJO hosts two concerts each quarter, culminating in a total of six performances. The ensemble has showcased a diverse repertoire from renowned artists including Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Quincy Jones, Frank Foster, David Baker, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Count Basie, Dexter Gordon, Mulgrew Miller, Oliver Nelson, and McCoy Tyner, among others.
The Jazz Ensemble is one of three jazz big bands offered at The Ohio State University, along with six combos. This undergraduate ensemble, composed of both music and nonmusic majors, has performed in Europe at the North Sea Jazz Festival, toured in China, and played throughout the U.S. The OSU Jazz Ensemble plays big band repertoire from all decades and eras, as well as soul, pop, funk, hip hop, and the occasional heavy metal chart. They perform on Saturday afternoon, directed by Mike Smith.
Hailing from Bourbonnais, Illinois, Olivet Nazarene University is represented at this year’s Festival by their Jazz Combo, directed by Dr. Matt Jacklin. The university’s thriving jazz program includes three more jazz combos, two pop/rock combos, a big band, and a vocal jazz ensemble. In addition to regular appearances at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, the ONU Jazz Combo has performed at the Orbert Davis Jazz & Family Festival and numerous other events around campus and the community. The ONU Jazz Combo opens the Saturday afternoon session.
Purdue University closes out the Saturday afternoon session this year with their Jazz Band, directed by Bethany Robinson. Composed of dedicated non-music majors, the Jazz Band hosts weekly jam sessions with guest artists, and has appeared at the Festival many times over the years. Purdue boasts a robust jazz program with seven jazz ensembles and various combos. For the past 35 years, the university has also hosted the Purdue Jazz Fest, which features high school bands from across the Midwest.
Another familiar presence at the Festival, the Wisconsin-Whitewater returns with Jazz Ensembles I and II. Composed primarily of non-majors and music education majors, Jazz Ensemble II presents regular concerts on the UWW campus and performs each year at the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival. This year, they can be heard on Friday afternoon under the direction of Brad Townsend. The school’s top big band, Jazz Ensemble I, is composed of all undergraduate students and has appeared at numerous jazz festivals including The University of Louisville Jazz Festival. Directed by Michael Hackett, Jazz Ensemble I opens for the WDR Big Band and the Yellowjackets on Friday night.
STAGE TIME GUIDELINES
In order to keep the Festival schedule running in a timely fashion, all participating groups are asked to adhere to set time limits. A big band is allowed 30 minutes, a combo 20 minutes, and a vocal jazz ensemble 20 minutes. In addition to their written comments, our three guest adjudicators will provide live feedback onstage for 10 minutes following each performance.
Big bands participating in Thursday’s High School Invitational are each allowed 30 minutes onstage, followed by a clinic with a guest artist a member of our jazz faculty offstage.
RECORDING & PHOTOGRAPHY
Ft. Alumni and Student Bands
History of Artists/Adjudicators & Feature Performances
2025
Sharel Cassity
Danny Gottlieb
Ryan Keberle
Dave Stryker
WDR Big Band directed by Bob Mintzer
Yellowjackets
2024
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Banhart
Orbert Davis
Marshall Gilkes
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Gary Smulyan
Anthony Wilson
2023
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
Tamir Hendelman
Dennis Mackrel
John Pizzarelli Trio
Terell Stafford
2022
John Beasley’s MONK’estra
Wayne Bergeron
Denis DiBlasio
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Steve Wiest
2021
Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts
Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project presents Birth of the Cool
Kurt Elling
Dennis Mackrel
Donny McCaslin
Terell Stafford
High School
Invitational:
Jay Anderson
Ryan Keberle
Alexa Tarantino
Ryan Truesdell
2020
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Bobby Floyd
Dennis Mackrel
Bobby Shew
Gary Smulyan
2019
Michael Davis and the Hip-Bone Big Band
John Fedchock New York Big Band
Randy Brecker
Bill Evans
Mike Stern
2018
Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Sean Jones
Jiggs Whigham
Matt Wilson
2017
Michael Abene
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Denis DiBlasio
Bill Holman Big Band
Pat LaBarbera
Dennis Mackrel
Rufus Reid
Bobby Shew
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Patrick Williams Big Band
2016
Michael Davis
Donny McCaslin
Bob Mintzer Band
Ryan Truesdell and the Gil Evans Project
Scott Wendholt
2015
Jimmy Heath & the Jimmy Heath Big Band
Bill Holman
Sean Jones
Ralph Lalama
Dennis Mackrel
2014
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart
Andy Martin
Bobby Shew
Gary Smulyan
Ryan Truesdell and the Gil Evans Project
2013
Denis DiBlasio
Dave Douglas Quintet
Bobby Floyd
Dennis Mackrel
Maria Schneider
Orchestra
Byron Stripling
2012
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Jeff Hamilton
Tamir Hendelman
Christoph Luty
University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band with Mark Colby, Denis DiBlasio & Frank Greene
2011
Michael Abene
Mark Colby
Dennis Mackrel
Simone
Byron Stripling
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts
2010
Michael Davis
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
Phil Markowitz
Gary Smulyan
Patrick Williams with Wayne Bergeron, Warren Luening, Tom Scott & Bill Watrous
2009
Wayne Bergeron
Denis DiBlasio
Steve Wiest
Bill Holman Band
Maria Schneider Orchestra
2008
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Dennis Mackrel
Mingus Big Band
Gary Smulyan
Jiggs Whigham
2007
Denis DiBlasio
Matt Harris
Bob Mintzer Big Band
John Pizzarelli
Quartet
Bobby Shew
Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts
2006
Matt Harris
Joe Lovano Quartet
Eric Marienthal
University of North Texas One O’Clock
Lab Band
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Steve Wiest
2005
Bill Holman Band
Dave Holland
Quintet
Steve Houghton
Clay Jenkins
Nicholas Payton
Quintet
Bob Sheppard
2004
Patti Austin
Mark Colby
Michael Davis
Orbert Davis
Gordon Goodwin’s
Big Phat Band
Phil Markowitz
2003
Count Basie
Orchestra, directed by Grover Mitchell, featuring Butch
Miles
Dennis Mackrel
Bob Mintzer Big Band
Bobby Shew
Gary Smulyan
2002
Tim Hagans
Frank Mantooth
Nicholas Payton’s Louis Armstrong Celebration
Chris Vadala
Phil Woods Quintet
2001
Jeremy Davenport
John Fedchock’s New York Big Band
Matt Harris
Pat LaBarbera
Clark Terry
2000
Dee Dee
Bridgewater
Denis DiBlasio
Bob Florence and the Limited Edition
Frank Mantooth
Byron Stripling
1999
Michael Abene
Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau
Diana Krall Trio
Lanny Morgan
Bobby Shew
1998
Mark Colby
Orbert Davis
Bill Holman Band
Frank Mantooth
Mark Whitfield
1997
Bob Bowman
Denis DiBlasio
Steve Erquiaga
Nicholas Payton
Howie Smith
Ed Soph
1996
Randy Brecker
Ronnie Cuber
Kevin Mahogany
Frank Mantooth
University of North Texas One O’Clock
Lab Band
1995
Pete Christlieb
Conte Candoli
Bob Rummage
Clark Terry
1994
Nick Brignola
Paul McKee
Orbert Davis
Frank Mantooth 1993
Tom Garling
Bud Harner
Mike Tomaro
New York Voices
1992
Louie Bellson
Conte Candoli
Pete Christlieb
Denis DiBlasio
Terry Gibbs
Lee Konitz
Frank Mantooth
Roger Schueler
Bobby Shew
Kelly Sill
Clark Terry
Uncle Festive
Jiggs Whigham
1990
Bill Evans
Art Farmer
Frank Mantooth
1989
Denis DiBlasio
Frank Mantooth
Bobby Shew
1988
Pat LaBarbera
Roger Schueler
Ed Soph
Clark Terry 1987
Conte Candoli
Kelly Sill
Jiggs Whigham
1986
Steve Houghton
Rob McConnell
Bobby Shew
1985
Louie Bellson
Bunky Green
Warren Kime
Frank Mantooth 1984
Ashley Alexander
Dick Buckley
Terry Gibbs
Frank Mantooth
Pete Christlieb
Jay Daversa
Les Hooper
Bob Brookmeyer
Dick Buckley
Clark Terry
Dick BuckleyBud
Harner
Lee Konitz
Rob McConnell
Dick Buckley
Barret Deems
Milt Jackson
Don Rader
1979
Dan Morgenstern
Clark Terry
Paul Tolosko
Ernie Wilkins
1978
Don Menza
Dan Morgenstern
Kai Winding
1977
Jamey Aebersold
Louie Bellson
Dan Morgenstern
1976
Jamey Aebersold
James Coffin
Paul Tolosko
Thad Jones/Mel
Lewis Jazz
Orchestra
1975
Jerry Coleman
Joe Daley
Paul Tolosko
1974
James Coffin
John LaPorta
Rev. George Wiskirchen
1973
Julian “Cannonball”
Adderley
David Baker
Nathan Davis
Rich Matteson
Rufus Reid
Bob Tilles
1972
David Baker
Bunky Green
Buddy Montgomery
Rufus Reid
Cy Touff
1971
Dizzy Gillespie
Ron Modell
Charles Suber
1970
David Baker
Marian McPartland
Howie Smith
Bob Tilles
1969
Joe Daley
Robert Share
Bob Tilles
Phil Wilson
1968
Jamey Aebersold
David Baker
Bob Tilles
1991
Bob Bowker
Alan Broadbent
Gary Foster
Phil Wilson
History of Participants
Albion College
American Conservatory of Music
Aquinas College
Ashland University
Augustana College
Austin Peay State University
Baldwin-Wallace College
Ball State University
Boston College
Bowling Green State University
Bradley University
Butler University
California State University, Long Beach
Calvin University
Capital University
Carroll College
Case Western Reserve
University
Cedarville University
Central College
Central Michigan University
Central Missouri State University
Central State University
Chicago Conservatory of Music
Chicago State University
Clark Terry Institute of Jazz Studies
Clarke University
College of DuPage
College of Lake County
College of St. Benedict/St.
John's University
Collin County Community College
Columbia College Chicago
Concordia University
Culver-Stockton College
DePaul University
DePauw University
Dordt College
Drake University
Duquesne University
Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Michigan University
Elgin Community College
Elmhurst University
Ferris State College
Governors State University
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Valley State College
Grinnell College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Harold Washington College
Harper College
Heartland College
Hillsdale College
Hope College
Illinois Central College
Illinois State University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University, Bloomington
Indiana University, South Bend
Indiana-Purdue, Fort Wayne
Indiana-Purdue, Indianapolis
Iowa State University
Jefferson College
Joliet Junior College
Judson University
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Karlovarsky Repre Band
Kaskaskia College
Kellogg Community College
Kennedy-King College
Kent State University
Kenyon College
Kirkwood Community College
Knox College
KUG Honors Ensemble, Austria
Lake Forest College
Lawrence University
Liberty University
Lincoln College
Lincoln Trail Community College
Lindenwood University
Lorain County Community College
Loyola University, New Orleans
Macalester College
Malcolm X College
Marian University
Marshall University
Mayville State University
McHenry County College
McNally Smith College of Music
Memphis State University
Miami University (Ohio)
Michigan State University
Millikin University
Mineral Area College
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Missouri Western State College
Monmouth College
Moraine Valley Community College
Morehead State University
Morningside College
Morton College
Murray State University
Newberry College
North Park University
Northeastern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Michigan University
Northwestern University
Oakland University
Oakton Community College
Oberlin Conservatory
Ohio Northern University
The Ohio State University
Ohio University
Olivet Nazarene University
Penn State University
Principia College
Purdue University
Quincy University
Rock Valley College
Roosevelt University (Chicago College of Performing Arts)
Slippery Rock University
South Suburban College
Southeast Missouri State University
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Southern University
St. Mary's University, Minnesota
St. Norbert College
St. Xavier University
Taylor University
Temple University
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas Christian University
Tiffin University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Triton College
University of Akron
University of Arkansas at Monticello
University of Calgary
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Evansville
University of Findlay
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Indianapolis
University of Iowa
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Manitoba
University of Mary
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Morris
University of Missouri, Columbia University of Missouri, Kansas City
University of Missouri, St. Louis University of Nebraska, Lincoln
University of Northern Iowa
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of South Dakota
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Valdosta State University
Vandercook College of Music
Waubonsee Community College
Wayne State University
Western Illinois University
Western Michigan University
Wheaton College
Whitworth University
William Penn College
Winona State University
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Wright College
Wright State University
Jazz Festival MERCHANDISE
All items are available for purchase in the lobby. Please ask our Festival staff for assistance.
JAZZ FESTIVAL APPAREL
The Festival has always offered for sale a number of unique designs, including each year's signature artwork.
JAZZ FESTIVAL BOOK
Learn about the rich history of the Festival with this book, created in celebration of the event’s 50th anniversary.
THROWBACK MERCH
Select items featuring retro Jazz Festival logos.
In Memoriam: Bill Holman (1927- 2024)
On May 6, 2024, the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival lost a dear friend, and the jazz world lost one of its most original and iconic voices. Bill Holman had a deep connection with Elmhurst University, appearing five times with his band at the Festival, and writing six commissions for the award-winning Elmhurst University Jazz Band. In 2009, the University presented Bill Holman with the honorary degree of Doctor of Music.
CDS
Recordings by the Elmhurst University Jazz Band are available.
Willis Leonard Holman was renowned around the world as a jazz composer, bandleader, and musician; his contributions to the art of jazz and education hold an important place in the annals of music history. In May of 2000, The Bill Holman Collection of scores and memorabilia was established as part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. A master of jazz orchestration for over seventy years, Holman contributed to the libraries and recordings of bands led by legends Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, and Doc Severinsen. He has written for the likes of Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Woody Herman, and Sarah Vaughan. As founder of the Bill Holman Band, the world’s finest jazz musicians gravitated toward him since 1975. Playing in his band was considered a high honor.
The recipient of 13 GRAMMY nominations and winner of three, Holman was very active in the West Coast jazz movement of the 1950s, producing a unique, high-quality style of jazz, the likes of which had never before been heard.
On May 21, The National Endowment for the Arts named Holman as one of eight recipients of an NEA Jazz Masters Award– the nation’s highest honor in this distinctly American music. In the words of jazz critic Doug Ramsey: “For all its humor, swing and accessibility, Bill Holman’s music has depths, layers and complexities. Enjoyable as the surfaces of his pieces may be, beneath them are satisfactions that reveal themselves only when they receive full attention in repeated hearings. Such is the nature of serious music that is full of fun, whether it is by Mozart, Ives, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker or Bill Holman.”
While Bill is deeply missed, his legacy lives on through compositions and arrangements, which continue to be studied and performed around the world.
Festival MCs
Your hosts for our 58th Festival include some old and new friends who all share a common interest: a passion for jazz. Joining us for his fourteenth stint is 90.9 FM WDCB DJ Jay Greene. Jay’s radio show gives you a proper start to your weekend; tune him in every Saturday morning from 7:00-10:00 a.m.
We also welcome back another familiar face: Bob Foskett . In his days as an Elmhurst student, Bob was a college radio host and student producer of the very first Elmhurst University Jazz Festival. Bob went on to serve as program director for WBEE, Chicago’s last and longest-running all-jazz AM radio station, and then as a host for WDCB, where he can currently be heard on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 12:00-2:00p.m.
Joining us for the fourth time as an MC is Elmhurst alum Andrew Ecklund . Andrew played trumpet in the Elmhurst University Jazz Band for three years and previously served on our faculty as an instructor of Digital Music. He is also an accomplished guitarist, singer, composer, and arranger, with his original advertising music earning spots in national campaigns for Apple, Google, and Mountain Dew.
Last but not least, we are delighted to welcome back Jazz Studies Director emeritus and former Elmhurst University Jazz Band Director Doug Beach . Doug served as Director of the Jazz Festival for 28 of his 43 years at Elmhurst, and he continues his work on the Festival now as Artistic Director and Director of Development.
Student Managers
CHRISTOPHER TEJEDA & MICKEY O’BRIEN
Since the Festival began in 1968, our team of student volunteers has been an instrumental part of its reputation as one of the best-run college festivals in America. Among these volunteers, no one carries more responsibility throughout the weekend than the student managers, who must command the respect of their peers while being popular leaders. This year’s student managers, Mickey O’Brien and Christopher Tejeda, fulfill this demanding role impressively.
Christopher Tejeda is a third-year saxophonist majoring in Music Performance with a minor in Jazz Studies at Elmhurst University. Christopher has been involved in many ensembles at Elmhurst, such as Classical Quartet, Trio, Jazz Combo, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Christopher has been selected to perform in Elmhurst University Honors Recitals twice, and was named one of three winners in the EU concerto competition in 2023. Christopher was also chosen to participate in the 2024 summer program at Brevard Music Center. In addition to his work on the Festival, Christopher shows his leadership on campus as the social media coordinator for EU Music wind bands and as a resident advisor. This is Christopher's third year working on the Jazz Festival and his second year as Student Manager.
Mickey O’Brien is a senior Music Business and Production Major at Elmhurst University. He plays in a number of Elmhurst University ensembles, including Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and the Gretsch Electric Guitar Ensemble. In addition to his activities at Elmhurst, Mickey is a staff composer and mixing engineer at Different Publishing and a rising performer in the Chicagoland area. This is Mickey’s first year as Student Manager.
Festival Staff
Director
Chris Parsons
Artistic Director / Director of Development
Doug Beach
Assistant Director
Dan Nicholson
Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Band & High School Invitational
Kirk Garrison
Student Managers
Christopher Tejeda
Mickey O’Brien
MCs
Bob Foskett, Jay Greene, Andrew Ecklund, Doug Beach
Sound
John Born
Livestream
Nate Baxter
Office Manager
Gabby Bandera
Print Program Editor
Laura Pinto
STUDENT SECTION HEADS
House
Aldre Delos Santos
Brenden Infante
Tickets
Isabelle Suarez
Charlie Rossi
Security
Xavier Martinez
Stage Crew
John Pinns
Livestream
Dylan Catapat
Dom Douffard
Sound
Patrick Williams
Guest Artist Hosts
Daisuke Kamiuchi
Ian Martinez
Featured Performers Host
Karabeth Footman
Participant Band Host
Lissette Hernandez
Public Relations
Marri Baez
Jazz Festival SPONSORS
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors.
CLARK TERRY LEVEL:
$10,000 AND ABOVE
Sylvia and William W. Gretsch Memorial Foundation
Elmhurst University Jazz Band Alumni
LOUIS ARMSTRONG LEVEL:
$5,000 - $7,499
Anonymous
City of Elmhurst’s Explore Elmhurst Community Grant Program
Elmhurst University Student Government Association and the Office of Student Affairs
DUKE ELLINGTON LEVEL:
$2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous
The Jim Cunningham Trust
The Schrecengost Family
CHARLIE PARKER LEVEL:
$1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous in memory of Frank Caruso and Mark Colby
Anonymous Elmhurst University Jazz Band Alum
DANSR Inc/Vandoren
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Falk
Laser Piano Service
Orbit Records
MILES DAVIS LEVEL:
$500 - $999
Sherry Bucaro
Dr. and Mrs. Les Caltvedt
Mr. and Mrs. William Chittenden III
Michael Concannon
Community Bank of Elmhurst Manelli/Tet/The Rabbit
Paul Raneiri, Steve Tetrev, Greg Wangren
Brooke Schrager
George Shutack
Yamaha Musical Instruments
CHET BAKER LEVEL:
$300 - $499
Andrew Ecklund
Mike and Laura Pinto
JOHN COLTRANE LEVEL:
$100 - $299
Rick and April Arnold
Nick and Connie Avgerinos
Ken Bartels Consulting
Robert Beck
Ruth Chapek
Travis Duffield
Christine Hunka
Nancy James
Glenn Kaluziak (in memory of Paul Tolosko)
Dwaine Keller
Quent Lang
Dr. Mary Kay Mulvaney
Dr. Paul and Tracy Nielsen
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Rarick
Eric J. Sanders
Brooke Schrager
Thomas Tierney
ELLA FITZGERALD LEVEL:
$26 - $99
Phillip Darling
Phil Domines
Kent Nicholson
BENNY GOODMAN LEVEL: UP TO $25
John Good
Lawrence Mai
Recognition of gifts includes donations made before February 10, 2025
Support Jazz at Elmhurst University
The Jim Cunningham Jazz Band Scholarship Fund
Established by friends and former students to honor the legacy of Festival founder Jim Cunningham, this fund provides scholarship support to members of the Elmhurst University Jazz Band.
The Doug Beach Jazz Scholarship Fund
Established in 2022 in honor of longtime Elmhurst University Jazz Band Director Doug Beach, this fund provides scholarship support to academically eligible students who are members of an Elmhurst University jazz group and demonstrate financial need.
The Maureen Lamberty Heakin International Artists Series for Jazz Studies in Honor of Doug Beach
Established in 2021, this fund enables the Elmhurst University Music Department to continue to bring internationally known jazz artists to campus so that students can experience, first-hand, how the master performers think, create and view life.
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival is a unique experience that allows students the opportunity to meet, perform for, and learn from some of the most prominent names in jazz. Your contribution guarantees that the Festival will maintain its reputation of excellence and will continue to be a major force in jazz education.
Please mark your calendar for April 16, Elmhurst University’s annual giving day. You can make your gift online at elmhurst.edu/Give, call (866) 794-1075, or mail a check to Elmhurst University Office of Institutional Advancement, 190 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Please designate where you would like your gift to be directed.
142 YEARS AND COUNTING...
2025 Jazz Festival SCHEDULE
All times are Central Standard Time
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20: HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL
9:30 a.m. Session
Lake Central High School – St. John, Indiana
Naperville Central High School – Naperville, Illinois
Whitney M. Young High School – Chicago, Illinois
Oak Park and River Forest High School – Oak Park, Illinois
Feature Performance (at approx. 12:00 p.m.)
Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
11:30 a.m. Session
Elmhurst University – Vocal Jazz
Kansas City Kansas Community College – Funk Band
Elmhurst University – Combo
Kansas City Kansas Community College – Combo
Columbia College Chicago – Fusion Ensemble
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Big Band II
Northwestern University – Big Band
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
9:30 a.m. Clinic
Free clinic/masterclass with Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle
11:30 a.m. Session
Olivet Nazarene University – Combo
Kellogg Community College – Big Band
Ashland University – Big Band
Capital University – Big Band
The Ohio State University – Big Band
Purdue University – Big Band
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
11:30 a.m. Session
Illinois Wesleyan University – Combo
Joliet Junior College – Big Band College of DuPage – Big Band
Harper College – Big Band
Hillsdale College – Big Band
Elmhurst University – Big Band
1:30 p.m. Session
St. Charles East High School – St. Charles, Illinois
Fenton High School – Bensenville, Illinois
Addison Trail High School – Addison, Illinois
Glenbard East High School – Lombard, Illinois
7:30 p.m. Session University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Big Band I
Feature Performance
WDR Big Band with Yellowjackets
7:30 p.m. Session
Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band
Feature Performance
WDR Big Band with special guest Dave Stryker
Announcement of Outstanding Ensembles
Feature Performance (at approx. 4:15 p.m.)
WDR Big Band with Bob Mintzer
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED DURING OUR FEATURE PERFORMANCES. FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED DURING ALL PERFORMANCES.
Elmhurst University, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296