Jazz bands from middle schools and high schools across the Midwest will converge on Purdue University on Saturday (Jan. 20) for the 34th annual Purdue Jazz Festival. Throughout the three-day festival, student musicians and the public will have the opportunity to work with and learn from nationally renowned artists. The event will boast headliner concerts as well as competitions, clinics and other special events.

Schedule of Events:

January 18, 2024:

7:30 PM: Community Jazz Showcase

Performances associated with the festival will kick off with a free Community Jazz Showcase at the Long Center for the Performing arts in Lafayette, Indiana, featuring the Purdue Jazz Band and High School jazz bands from Tippecanoe County.

Location: Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 North 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901.

January 19, 2024:

8:00 PM: Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix will perform as the Friday, January 19th headliner concert at 8:00 p.m. in Stewart Center’s Loeb Playhouse. The event is presented by Purdue Convocations with support from Purdue University Bands & Orchestras, Drs. Marshall & Berdine Martin, Dr. Sandra Syndor, and Kevin & Janene Davis. Learn more about Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix including group discounts for 15 or more.

Blending traditional jazz with elements of hip-hop and soul, Lakecia’s music defies boundaries. Her magnetic stage presence and the fiery embrace of her saxophone have earned her global acclaim, sharing stages with legends like Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and The Roots. With four studio albums under her belt, including her latest album “Phoenix,” produced by the multi-Grammy-award-winning Terri Lyne Carrington, Lakecia has curated a star-studded lineup featuring Dianne Reeves, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Sonia Sanchez, Angela Davis, and Wayne Shorter.

Location: Loeb Playhouse, 128 Memorial Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

January 20, 2024:

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Purdue Jazz Festival - Competition Day

On Saturday, January 20th, jazz ensembles from Indiana and neighboring states will arrive on Purdue’s campus for the competition. It will stretch throughout the day in nine performance venues in Stewart Center, Purdue Memorial Union, Pao Hall and Elliott Hall of Music. The music will start at 8 a.m. and will continue through 6 p.m. These events will be free and open to the public in addition to clinics provided by the festival guest artists on Saturday.

The Purdue Jazz Band will perform at 12 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse, as well as a finale concert and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. in Elliott Hall of Music.

The guest artists include Etienne Charles, Nick Finzer, and Rob Dixon.

Location: Various Locations, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Dates: January 18 - 20, 2024

Click here for more information.