The festival provides local high school and college jazz ensembles with an opportunity to compete and share musical experiences with one another. Students also get the opportunity to learn from some of the most noted jazz musicians in the nation. Each Jazz Festival has one or more concerts by jazz greats such as Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Ellis Marsallis, and Nestor Torres.
The festival schedule is shown below. Use the links below for driving directions and the registration form. For more information, call 610-519-6062.
Sunday, March 18th
High School Vocal Jazz Showcase
with featured guests
The University of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble
St. Mary‚s Chapel
Sunday, March 25th
High School Jazz Band Festival
St. Mary‚s Chapel
Monday, March 26th through Thursday, March 29th
Jazz at noon featuring Philadelphia Area Student Jazz ensembles
Connelly Center
Wednesday, March 28th
Villanova Jazz Ensemble with guest artists
St. Mary‚s Chapel
Friday, March 30th
College & University Combo Showcase
Connelly Center
Saturday, March 31st
Collegiate Big Band Festival
Jazz Workshop with guest artist (TBA)
Closing concert
winning big band
Featured artist concert (TBA)
Connelly Center
In addition, we will have a series of outreach programs within the community as a more extensive educational events, under the umbrella of the Villanova Jazz Festival. These programs will be bringing in artists and educators both on the Villanova campus as well as in various locations in the greater Philadelphia area.