JazzWeek 26: OVERJOYED - April 13-16

JazzWeek 26: Overjoyed - April 13 to April 16, 2026, is a week-long festival that takes place on and around The University of Akron campus, uniting students, faculty, musicians, and community members. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup featuring local (Chris Coles, Theron Brown, Wave Magnetic, JT's Electric Blackout, and more) and national jazz artists like: Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence Jennifer Wharton and Sharel Cassity, as well as Visiting Artist-in-Residence Sean Jones with inspiring performances, and educational workshops designed for musicians and jazz enthusiasts of all ages. Overjoyed by the sound, the history, and the future of jazz, these events honor Northeast Ohio's rich legacy while amplifying new voices and creative expression. Together we celebrate jazz as a timeless force of artistic communication. Akron is Jazz!

Festival Schedule:

• Monday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. - UA Wind Symphony presents Bernstein's Prelude, Fugue and Riffs at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave, Akron, 44325, FREE
• Monday, April 13, 9 p.m. - JT’s Electric Blackout at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave, Akron, 44325, FREE
• Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. - Bonegasm led by Jennifer Wharton with UA Jazz Studies at Blu Jazz, 47 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308, $20 at the door, Students FREE with ID
• Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. - Wave Magnetic with UA Jazz Studies at Musica, 51 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308, FREE
• Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m - Sharel Cassity with UA Jazz Combo and UA Jazz Ensemble at EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St, Akron, OH 44325, $20 and up BUY TICKETS HERE

Here's what the press had to say about JazzWeek 25:

• From The Akron Beacon Journal: Joshua Redman, Sean Jones headline UA JazzWeek 25 starting April 7. What to know
• From Signal Akron: University of Akron's JazzWeek features national acts, student groups
• From Jazz Ambassador John Chacona: The Abundance Mindset Rings Out At UA JazzWeek 25
• From The University of Akron: UA JazzWeek 25: honoring Northeast Ohio's jazz legacy
• From WZIP ZipsUnlimited Podcast: JazzWeek 25: Abundance
• From Rubber City Radio Group WAKR: UA JazzWeek 25
• From WZIP The Lowdown: Spring 2025 Episode 4 Jazz Week

Jazz Studies at The University of Akron School of Music

Why Akron?

The University of Akron Jazz Studies Program strives to bring creative improvised music into the social and cultural fabric of Northeast Ohio by fostering collaboration, education, and performance that connect with and inspire the community.

The University of Akron's Jazz faculty is committed to student success by:

• Providing students with opportunities to engage in masterclasses, clinics, and private lessons with industry leaders.
• Connecting students to the global jazz community and facilitating professional performances at renowned venues in Northeast Ohio.
• Ensuring that graduating students possess the entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in the music industry both locally and internationally. 

Current curriculum includes:

Music 210: Jazz Improvisation I: 2 credits

Music 211: Jazz Improvisation II: 2 credits

Music 212: Music Industry: A Survey of Practices & Opportunities: 2 credits

Music 307: Techniques of Jazz Ensemble Performance and Direction: 2 credits

Music 308: History and Literature of Jazz: 2 credits

Music 309: Jazz Keyboard Techniques: 2 credits

Music 310: Jazz Improvisation III: 2 credits

Music 311: Jazz Improvisation IV: 2 credits

Music 407: Jazz Arranging and Scoring: 2 credits