59th Annual Jazz Festival
Sunday, March 1, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
Contact Information
Elmhurst University Jazz Festival
jazzfestival@elmhurst.edu
About the Festival
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival returns for its 59th edition in 2026, both in our traditional in-person format and live-streamed online.
Schedule
The 59th annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival.
Friday, February 27
9:30 a.m. CST
High School Invitational
TBD
Denis DiBlasio and Ulysses S. Owens Jr. with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band (at approx. 12:00 p.m. CST)
University Performances (to begin around 3:00 p.m. CST)
The Columbia College Fusion Ensemble – Columbia College Chicago
Illinois Wesleyan Jazz Combo – Illinois Wesleyan University
7:30 p.m. CST
University Group
College Street Connection – Newberry College
Denis DiBlasio and Ulysses S. Owens Jr. with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band
Steve Kovalcheck Trio featuring Jeff Hamilton and Jon Hamar
Saturday, February 28
9:30 a.m. CST
Free clinic/masterclass Denis DiBlasio and Ulysses S. Owens Jr.
11:30 a.m. CST
University Performances
Olivet Nazarene University Combo – Olivet Nazarene University
Central State University Jazz Ensemble – Central State University
Purdue University Combo – Purdue University
Ohio University Jazz Ensemble I – Ohio University
CCM Jazz Lab Band – University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Jazz Ensemble II – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
CCM Jazz Orchestra – University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Jazz Ensemble I – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
7:30 p.m. CST
University Performances
Elmhurst University Combo – Elmhurst University
Purdue Big Band – Purdue University
Sunday, March 1
11:30 a.m. CST
University Performances
Late Night Blues – Elmhurst University
Augustana Jazz Ensemble – Augustana College
JJC Jazz Band – Joliet Junior College
Harper Jazz Ensemble – Harper College
DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble – College of DuPage
Harper Jazz Orchestra – Harper College
Elmhurst University Jazz Band – Elmhurst University