NevadaToday
Every year, a vibrant mix of local and professional artists unite in rhythm and soul, celebrating their shared passion for jazz through powerful performances and community spirit.
Every year, a vibrant mix of local and professional artists unite in rhythm and soul, celebrating their shared passion for jazz through powerful performances and community spirit.
Every year, a vibrant mix of local and professional artists unite in rhythm and soul, celebrating their shared passion for jazz through powerful performances and community spirit.
The University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Liberal Arts, is excited to have the Reno Jazz Festival return to campus from Thursday, April 24, through Saturday, April 26, 2025. Hosted by the School of the Arts, this long running festival is set to showcase top student musicians, professional artists and an inclusive, high-energy jazz environment. Throughout the weekend, audiences can experience a wide array of performances from combos, big bands and vocal jazz groups from across the region.
This festival kicks off Thursday evening with a high-energy concert featuring guest artist Corey Fonville, performing alongside the University’s Manzanita Quartet. While the setlist remains a surprise, audiences can expect an exciting blend of masterful musicianship and spontaneous collaboration. After the concert, the energy continues at Laughing Planet Café with a free student jam session beginning at 10 p.m., encouraging visiting students to jump in and improvise with their peers.
Friday, April 25, is packed with school performances, clinics and day concerts, including a headlining show by renowned artist Butcher Brown, followed by another Laughing Planet Café jam session for visiting and local professionals.
On Saturday, April 26, the Artist-Educator Spotlight Concert will bring top students together with esteemed jazz educators, offering a rare opportunity for (top) young musicians to share the stage with professionals. Participating schools will represent Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico.
On Friday and Saturday, master classes and clinics will take place in five different concert spaces. Visiting schools will perform for artist-educators, receiving valuable feedback, designed to foster growth and inspiration. These sessions are open to the public, making them an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in seeing the next generation of jazz musicians develop their craft. Daytime passes to workshops, clinics and panel discussions can be purchased in person or online.
For Adam Benjamin, MFA, festival director and University jazz faculty member, the heart of the event is its ability to provide young musicians — especially those from areas without a strong jazz presence — with an immersive and transformative experience.
“The most important thing about this festival is the opportunity for students to be surrounded by jazz,” Benjamin said. “For a couple of days, our campus is a jazz hub, inspring visiting students to play music in college, summer institutes or just continue their artistic journey beyond the classroom.”
With 900 participating students, Benjamin emphasizes: “This festival is an intensive and inclusive environment full of music, putting the University, College of Liberal Arts and the School of the Arts on the map as a jazz destination.”
For those looking to experience world-class jazz and support the next generation of musicians, the Reno Jazz Festival is an event not to be missed. Tickets for headlining performances will be available at the door. Or, purchase tickets online Reno Jazz Festival Tickets.
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