The Festival Roundup November 2025

 AUTUMN EXIT ZERO JAZZ FESTIVAL (Cape May, NJ) – Nov. 7-9

The 2025 Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place in Cape May, NJ., November 7-9. International touring artists performing on the Festival Main Stage in Cape May Convention Hall and Cape May outdoor stages, and bars and club venues. A wide variety of jazz styles are presented. TST readers may be particularly interested in performances by Tuba Skinny, The Ocean Avenue Stompers, and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra 5 with Phillip Manuel and Jason Marsalis. For tickets and more information: www.exitzerojazzfestival.com.

SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) – Nov. 21-23

Appearing at the 2025 festival are Tuba Skinny, St. Louis Stompers, Chuck Redd, Diego Figueiredo, Ehud Asherie, Jason Marsalis, Jonathan Russell, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, Dave Bennett Quartet, John Lamb, Professor Cunningham and His Old School, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Simon Lasky, Al Downing All Stars, Bakey and Betty, Bob Price, Daniela Soledade, Don Mopsick, Ed Metz, Jr., Heather Thorn & Vivacity, James Suggs, Jazz Phools, La Lucha, Naples Jazz Society Jazz Band, Nate Najar, Pepper and Fine Thyme, Theo Valentin, and Forrest & Andrea Phoenix.

Special events include a poolside parasol parade Friday morning, a swing dance party Friday evening, and a Sunday morning set featuring the Dave Bennett Quartet with Theo Valentin.

For tickets and information, visit us online at suncoastjazzfestival.com; or write: PO Box 395, Largo, FL 33779; (727) 248-9441. It’s not too early to make your hotel reservations—check our website for hotel specials.

37th Annual WEST COAST RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Rancho Cordova, CA) – Nov. 21-23

Scheduled for this year are; Nick Arteaga, Clint Baker, Ramona Baker, Chris & Jack Bradshaw, Isaiah Burton, Ryan Calloway, Michael Chisholm, Jared DiBartolomeo, Neville Dickie, Richard Dowling, Drivons Duo, Marty Eggert, Freebadge Serenaders, Greg Sabin, Justin Au, Brandon Au, Kevin Gunia, Frederick Hodges, Brian Holland, Lisa Gonick, Jeff Green, Vincent Johnson, Charlie Judkins & Miss Maybell, Key System Rhythm Ramblers, Lisa Gonick, Jeff Green, Virginia Tichenor, Carl Sonny Leyland, Max Liberton, TJ Muller, Pacific Coast Ragtime Orchestra, Will Perkins, Richard Powers, Ragabonds, Brian Holland, Paul Hagglund, Gareth Price, Katie Cavera, Bub Sullivan, Petra Sullivan, Adam Swanson, John Reed-Torres, Virginia Tichenor, Matt Tolentino, Tadao Tomokiyo, and Joan Walton. Plus, astonishing youth performers, special shows, seminars, silent movies, ragtime era dancing led by Richard Powers and Joan Walton, and more!

We are delighted to again be hosting the festival at the Marriott Rancho Cordova, with all venues on the ground floor. You may make early reservations at the Marriott now. Location: Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova 12211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. For more information, please visit: www.westcoastragtime.com.

 

32th Annual EAGLES AND IVORIES RAGTIME FEST (Muscatine, IA) – Jan. 15-18

The 32nd Annual Eagles & Ivories Music Fest is staged in Muscatine, Iowa, at five different locations. A free eagle watch takes place Saturday morning at Pearl City Station in Riverfront Park. The 2026 lineup includesl Jeff Barnhart, Dave Bennett, Danny Coots, Neville Dickie, Josh Duffee, and the Mad Creek Mudcats. Special events include silent film comedies with live accompaniment.

For more information and tickets: muscatineartscouncil.org; ajwoodhouse@machlink.com.

NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL (Wilmington, NC) – Feb. 5-7

Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our 46th North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. We will fill your evenings with exciting performances by some of the greatest traditional jazz musicians from around the globe!

Thursday Night Showcase: Noel Freidline and Maria Howell will headline the 46th annual opening night’s Special Event.

Friday and Saturday Nights: We will continue our celebration with All-Star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. You will hear many of our favorite NCJF musicians plus new additions to our lineup, including Bruce Harris, Benny Hill, Chuck Redd, Herman Burney, Jonathan Russell, Nate Najar, and Rossano Sportiello.

For more information visit www.ncjazzfestival.org, e-mail ncjazzfest@yahoo.com, or call (910)-399-6536.

TEAGARDEN JAZZ FESTIVAL for Young Musicians (Sacramento, CA) – Feb. 7

The joy of New Orleans-style jazz is at the heart of this scholastic combo festival, which is dedicated to fostering a better appreciation of this classic American art form. Each year, scores of young musicians gather at the annual Teagarden Jazz Festival (formerly named Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival) for experiences that take their musical skills to the next level.

Don’t miss the Closing Concert featuring the Teagarden Jazz Festival All-Star Clinicians Band

with guest artist Danny Coots (Grammy Award-Winning Percussionist, Nashville) and Awards Presentation in the Capistrano Concert Hall after the band performances.

General admission to the Jazz Festival for the public is $15 (students are admitted at no charge) and is valid all day. Tickets will be sold onsite (as wristbands) in the Capistrano Hall lobby.

For band registration and tickets, visit the festival website: TeagardenJazzfestival.org.

SOUNDS OF MARDI GRAS (Fresno, CA) – Feb. 12-15

The 42nd edition of the Sounds of Mardi Gras in Fresno kicks off at the Doubletree by Hilton with a Thursday evening pre-party. The schedule picks up Friday with a themed parade, a Friday night swing dance, and a Saturday Night Mardi Gras Dance Party. Festivities include a Parasol Parade and a Masquerade and Costume Parade in the grand tradition of Mardi Gras.

Invited bands for 2026 include: Alpha Rhythm Kings, Bob Schulz Frisco Jazz Band, Cheryl’s Vintage Jazz Band, Dave Stuckey & the Hot House Gang, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, Groovus!, Holland-Coots Quintet, Okie Weiss and The Zydeco Playboys, San Lyon-Swing Jazz, Southern Comfort, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, We3&Friends, and CJ’s Open Jam Sessions.Guest Artists: Dave Bennett.

Dance to more than 75 hours of live music in four dance venues allunder one roof.

Special festival room rates at the Fresno Double Tree by Hilton are available. For more information you can call Linda (209) 534-1924 or visit www.fresnodixie.com.

SAN DIEGO JAZZ PARTY (Del Mar, CA) – Feb. 20-22

The 34th annual San Diego Jazz Party is set to take place in Del Mar, California, 20 miles north of San Diego. We are excited to announce that plans for our 2026 party are in full swing! This year, we’re introducing some fantastic new additions that are sure to enhance your experience and make the event even more memorable. Don’t miss out on the fun—secure your tickets today!

Performing at the 2026 Jazz Party will be Chuck Redd, Dan Barrett, Danny Coots, Dawn Lambeth, Duke Heitger, Harry Allen,, Jason Fabus, Jason Wanner, Jon-Erik Kellso, Josh Collazo, Ken Peplowski, Peter Washington, Richard Simon, Rossano Sportiello, Sam Rocha, and Vinny Raniolo.

Purchase passes on www.sandiegojazzparty.com or order by telephone (619) 787-8792.

CHARM CITY DJANGO JAZZ FEST (Baltimore MD) – Feb. 27

Save the date for the Charm City Django Jazz Fest. Check gypsyjazzfest.com for more information as it becomes available.

44th annual JAZZ BASH BY THE BAY (Monterey, CA) – Mar. 6-8

The 44th annual Jazz Bash By the Bay Monterey takes place March 6-8, 2026, in the beautiful Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa with eight venues. World-Class musicians make Monterey their home for the weekend, when historic Monterey comes alive with the tunes of our rich musical heritage.

Bands include: After Midnight, Alpha Rhythm Kings, Blue Street, Brian Holland and the Ragabonds, Bye Bye Blues Boys Band, Crescent Katz, Dave Bennett Quartet, Dave Stuckey and His Hot House Gang, Ivory and Gold, Monterey Sax, Natalie Mendoza’s Tiger Five, The Pacific Brass Band, Paolo Alderighi and Stephanie Trick, Ryan Calloway’s Hot Baked Goods, San Lyon, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Warehouse Reunion, Yve Evans Trio, and Zydeco Flames.

Early-bird all-event badges will be sold until January 15, 2026. Badges can be ordered on line, by phone, or by mail after downloading a form at jazzbashmonterey.com/badges. More information online at jazzbashmonterey.com.

JAZZ FEST AT SEA (Caribbean) – Mar. 12-22

If you’re passionate about Traditional Jazz, Classic Jazz, Swing – or virtually any style that defined the golden age of jazz, then JazzFest at Sea is the cruise you’ve been waiting for. Join us as we set sail from Miami for a 10-night Caribbean journey filled with unforgettable music and timeless style. Enjoy world-class performances in the evening and intimate afternoon sessions, all in a cozy jazz club setting reserved for just 250 guests. There will be also be opportunities for amateur musicians to jam.

Scheduled artists include Allan Vaché, clarinet; Ken Peplowski, tenor sax; Warren Vaché, trumpet; Terry Myers, tenor sax; John Allred, trombone; Dave Bennett, clarinet; Davy Jones, cornet; James Chirillo, guitar; Banu Gibson, vocals; Chris Rottmayer, piano; Yve Evans, vocals; Phil Flanagan, bass.

Call us for more information! 1-800-654-8090 or visit www.JazzFestatSea.com.

JAZZAFFAIR (Three Rivers, CA) – Apr, 9-12

Jazzaffair 2026, hosted by the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club, takes place at three venues in Three Rivers: the Lions Club Arena, the Memorial Building, and St. Anthony’s Retreat.

Bands will include Ragabond Seven, Blue Street Jazz Band, Dave Bennett Quartet, The Memphis Speed Kings, Okie Weiss & the Zydeco Playboys, Groovus, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Clint Baker All-Stars, Gino & the Lone Gunman, and St John’s Riverboat Band. Special Guests include TJ Muller, Andy Schumm, Pieter Meijers, Jim Martinez, and more!

Also Featuring: Zydeco Dance Lessons, Special Events Nights, Thursday’s Kickoff Dinner, Friday’s Rowdy Breakfast, and Dance floors at all three venues.

Visit the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club online to order tickets. www.threeriversjazzaffair.com Early bird discounted 3-day badge available until March 15.

ZEHNDER’S 31st Annual RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Frankenmuth, MI) – Apr. 15-16

Zehnder’s 31st Annual Ragtime Festival will be staged at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, 730 S. Main St., in the colorful city nicknamed Little Bavaria. Also called “Muth” for short, the city is located in Saginaw County, in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about 22 miles south of Lake Huron.

Step back in time and indulge in the golden age of American music with our captivating Ragtime and Jazz Shows, served alongside a delicious lunch or dinner experience. Enjoy the upbeat sounds of ragtime piano, the soulful swing of early jazz, and the timeless charm of vintage classics performed live by talented world-renowned musicians.

Whether you’re savoring a midday escape or an evening out, our shows offer a lively, toe-tapping atmosphere perfect for music lovers.

Ragtime & Jazz Events for 2026 include lunch and dinner concerts on Thursday and a lunch concert on Friday.

Reservations required. Book online at ticketing.zehnders.com or call (989) 652-0450 for more information.

DJANGO A GOGO® 2026 MUSIC FESTIVAL and GUITAR CAMP (Maplewood NJ) – May 12-17

Since 2003, guitarist/composer/teacher Stephane Wrembel has produced the Django a Gogo Music Festival and Guitar Camp celebrating the life and music of legendary guitarist/composer, Django Reinhardt. The annual week-long event is held in Wrembel’s hometown of Maplewood, New Jersey, with additional concerts at Symphony Space in NYC and a closing super jam for performers and campers at Barbès in Brooklyn on Sunday night.

As the musical director, Wrembel brings together some of the finest musicians in the world to celebrate the Sinti guitar style in both live performances and education. The concert repertoire follows the Django canon and veers into reinterpretation, improvisation, and interplay between musicians from various backgrounds and instruments.

This year’s concert lineup includes various combinations of Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar and oud, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Steven Duffy on tuba and sousaphone, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on washboard, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals. Special guests include Jean-Michel Pilc on piano, and Gismo Graf, Sebastien Felix, and Angelo Debarre on guitar.

The “camp” is an intensive series of interactive workshops, class instruction and “jam sessions” for 40 students, with instructors focusing on rhythm and improvisation in the style of Django Reinhardt. Guitar instructors include Wrembel, Simba Baumgartner, Mozes Rosenberg, David Gastine, Antoine Boyer, Frank Anastasio, and Sam Farthing. Additionally, Yeore King will instruct on harmonica. For concert tickets, camp registration, and information, visit: www.djangoagogo.com.

52nd WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OLD-TIME PIANO PLAYING CONTEST & FESTIVAL (Oxford, MS) – May 21-24

Every year over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest is held to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940. Through the years, the contest has provided more than $70,000 in prize money to more than 500 piano players from across the United States and from five foreign countries. Players in 2025 will participate in three divisions—Regular, Junior, & Senior, competing for cash prizes, trophies and medallions. The New Rag Contest, where aspiring composers present their original tunes, will also have its own cash prize and trophy. A variety of other activities include presentations, guest artist performances, silent movies, a youth master class, and after-hours events every night on the Oxford Square.

This is a weekend packed with Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Standard tunes played by amazing piano players. You don’t have to play piano to enjoy music that will have your toes tapping. You’ll have the time of your life at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

For information, visit oldtimepianocontest.com or email oldtimepianocontest@olemiss.edu; telephone 662-801-2251.

SCOTT JOPLIN INTERNATIONAL RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Sedalia, MO) – May 27-30

The 2026 Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival will offer an exciting lineup of concerts and special events that celebrate the rich legacy of ragtime music and its enduring influence. From lively outdoor performances and elegant evening concerts to educational symposia, historic tours, and themed experiences like “Dining with the Stars” and “The Ragtime Dance,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The festival brings together world-class performers, historians, and enthusiasts for a joyful celebration of syncopated rhythms, period fashion, and historic charm—all in the heart of Sedalia, Missouri, where Scott Joplin’s legacy lives on.

 

For the most current information, please visit www.scottjoplin.org.