"Swing Into Spring: Elmhurst's 58th Annual Jazz Festival 2025"

Rich in both tradition and innovation, the 58th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival was in full swing from Thursday to Sunday, February 20-23, at Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. Each day featured many jazz sessions from about 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The first Festival, which stemmed from the former American College Jazz Festival, was held in 1968. It comprised eight regional sites throughout the United States. Each regional festival produced a winning band, combo, and vocalist who then performed at a national festival on Memorial Day. 

The national festival expired in the 1970s, but Elmhurst continued its festival with a new approach that put emphasis on educational value.

Elmhurst’s festival focuses on constructive critiques of each performing group, many from colleges all around the United States, conducting clinics, and demonstrating skill in concerts from guest artists and adjudicators. Overall allows both students and the public to learn from these masterful musicians. 

UIC even participated in years past, more recently in 2023, for Elmhurst’s 56th Annual Jazz Festival. UIC then featured their Jazz Combo under director Marques Carroll and their Jazz Ensemble under director Andy Baker. 

This year, however, I was granted the wonderful opportunity to listen to these numerous jazz pieces and critiques over the four days of the 58th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival. It was truly an oasis for jazz lovers. Here is a recap of each day of my experience at Elmhurst Jazz Fest.

Thursday, February 20th:

I sadly missed the morning sessions. The morning sessions featured the high school invitationals of Lake Central High School, Naperville Central High School, and many others. This session featured sets and critiques of each high school.

I also missed the mid-day session, which featured this year’s special adjudicators, saxophonist and flutist Sharel Cassity, drummer and percussionist Danny Gottlieb, and trombonist and critic Ryan Keberle alongside Elmhurst’s very own Jazz Band.

I did, however, catch a little bit of the afternoon sections that featured performances by St. Charles East High School, Fenton High School, etc. It was truly wonderful to see such young brilliant minds in such a community of music lovers.

Friday, February 21st: 

The morning sessions of day two of the festival were very exhilarating and informative! I got to see many of the Big Bands from some of the top colleges in the Midwest such as Columbia College, University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and Northwestern University, alongside many others. Many of them played so many different jazz arrangements from jazz classics to Latin American jazz. No two performances were the same and each gave their swing on their pieces. Each college gave its spin on its jazz sets. Each made me genuinely surprised by the skill and passion for each jazz set.

Especially the evening session featuring the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Big Band, which was a true highlight of the night. Their performance was seamlessly blending tight ensemble work with expressive solos that showcased the depth of their talent. Their take on classic swing numbers had the audience tapping their feet, while their arrangements added a vibrant and dynamic contrast. It was clear that their passion for jazz ran deep, and their set left the crowd both energized and eager for more.

This was a perfect transition to the featured performance of the night, the WDR Big Band with the Yellowjackets. 

The GRAMMY-winning WDR Big Band is widely regarded as one of the best big bands in the world. The band has an international reputation and is produced by public broadcaster WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk) with conductor Bob Mintzer. 

YellowJackets also feature Bob Mintzer with trio Russel Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, and Ricky Lawson. With their 48-year history, the Yellowjackets and raging success really showed Elmhurst they are one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups. 

From the first note, their synergy was undeniable—Ferrante’s elegant piano, Haslip’s steady bass, and Lawson’s soulful drumming created a rich foundation for Mintzer’s expressive saxophone lines.

Blending smooth jazz, funk, and swing, they took the audience on a journey through jazz’s evolution, each solo feeling like a heartfelt conversation. Their tight interplay and masterful improvisation captivated the crowd, proving once again why they remain one of the most influential and beloved groups in jazz. The thunderous applause confirmed it—this was more than a concert; it was a celebration of jazz at its finest.

Saturday, February 22nd: 

The morning sessions that followed the start of the weekend showcased an impressive lineup of university and college big bands, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage. From tight horn sections to dynamic rhythm arrangements, these ensembles demonstrated remarkable musicianship and passion for jazz. 

Each band put their creative spin on their set, highlighting the diversity and evolving nature of jazz while celebrating the tradition that unites them all.

The evening sessions showcased the Elmhurst University Jazz Band alongside renowned guests Sharel Cassity, Danny Gottlieb, and Ryan Keberle, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Each musician brought their distinct artistry, blending seamlessly with the ensemble to produce a rich, dynamic sound. From soaring saxophone solos to intricate drum rhythms and bold trombone lines, every note resonated with passion and precision. Even the student solos captivated a listener's ears. 

The chapel walls seemed to amplify the energy and emotion, making the music feel even more alive. It was a breathtaking performance that highlighted not only technical excellence but also the deep love and respect for jazz that each performer carried onto the stage.

This was a beautiful performance that led to another thrilling nightly performance from the WDR Band, to which Dave Stryker, whose masterful guitar playing captivated the audience. With every note, he displayed both technical brilliance, effortlessly blending fiery runs with soulful melodies. 

His solos were nothing short of electrifying, as he made the guitar sing with a voice of its own, commanding the stage with sheer musicality. 

The combination of the WDR Band’s tight arrangements and Stryker’s dazzling performance left the audience in awe of the power and beauty of live jazz percussion. 

Sunday, February 23rd:

Their performance was met with great enthusiasm, showcasing the skill and artistry that has long been a hallmark of the program. Like all the other participating universities, their set concluded with valuable feedback from the festival’s esteemed adjudicators, offering insightful critique and encouragement to help refine and elevate their craft despite being the festival’s host school.

Later that evening, as the festival approached its grand finale, the WDR Big Band, joined by Bob Mintzer, delivered a final performance that was nothing short of spectacular. 

Mintzer’s masterful saxophone playing soared above the ensemble, weaving intricate melodies and bold improvisations that captivated the audience. Each section of the band showcased incredible synergy, from the roaring brass to the tight, driving rhythm section, creating a dynamic and exhilarating sound. 

The performance was a true celebration of jazz at its finest—a thrilling and fitting conclusion to a festival filled with extraordinary musicianship and unforgettable moments.

Being at the festival, each musician, young or old, new or veteran, delivered a heartfelt performance and gave the audience all they had and more. As someone who is not a musician myself, I gained a large respect for the art of music and music alike. The Festival truly was a forum of jazz education for all. It is a gathering where some of the world’s newest and most acclaimed musicians come together to not only perform the music but study it, feel it, and understand it. 

Jazz fans around the world, like myself, jazz fans across the world can witness the magic and energy that encapsulates that chapel stage each year. 

The Elmhurst Jazz Festival stayed true to America’s sublime art form, celebrating the rich history, innovation, and passion that define jazz. From breathtaking solos to electrifying ensemble performances, the festival showcased the genre’s enduring spirit and its power to inspire. As the final notes faded, it was clear that this weekend was more than just a series of performances—it was a testament to the artistry, dedication, and boundless creativity that keep jazz alive and thriving.