Thank you for registering for the 59th Annual Eau Claire Jazz Festival!
Haven't registered yet? Click HERE
We are thrilled to welcome you to a weekend dedicated to excellence in jazz performance, education, and community. With registration complete, you can now begin planning the rest of your Eau Claire Jazz Festival experience. Below, you'll find important details to help you prepare and ensure a smooth visit. Should any questions arise, please don't hesitate to contact us at registration@eauclairejazz.com - our team is happy to assist.
We can't wait to celebrate the music, the community, and the spirit of jazz with you!
Festival Venues and Hotels
Primary Jazz Festival Venues
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UWEC W.R. Davies Student Center
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Primary Check-In Location and Performance Location
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UWEC Haas Fine Art Center
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Performance Location
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Pablo Center at the Confluence
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Concert Series Venue
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Center of Jazz Crawl
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Jazz Festival Partner Hotels (Click to book at ECJF Rate)
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 17th
7:30am - 4:30pm: Student Session Performances
10:00am-3:00pm: Masterclasses
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch Concert
3:00pm-3:45pm: Headliner Masterclass 1
3:45pm-4:30pm: Headliner Masterclass 2
4:40pm-5:30pm: Student Sessions Award Ceremony
5:30pm-2:00am: Jazz Crawl
7:00pm-8:30pm: Concert Series
Saturday, April 18th
7:30am - 4:30pm: Student Session Performances
10:00am-3:00pm: Masterclasses
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch Concert
3:00pm-3:45pm: Headliner Masterclass 1
3:45pm-4:30pm: Headliner Masterclass 2
4:40pm-5:30pm: Student Sessions Award Ceremony
7:30pm-10:00pm: Concert Series
2026 Guest Artists
Wycliffe Gordon
Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world’s most acclaimed jazz trombonists, known for his signature sound and masterful use of the plunger mute. He tours internationally as a soloist and bandleader, has appeared on over 300 recordings, and is also a prolific composer, arranger, and highly respected educator.
Gordon has received major honors, including being named Jazz Journalists Association “Trombonist of the Year” 15 times and winning multiple DownBeat Critics Poll awards. He is a former member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University. In addition to performing worldwide, he releases new recordings regularly and collaborates with leading jazz institutions, festivals, and universities.
Byron Stripling
Byron Stripling is a celebrated jazz trumpeter and vocalist best known for his electrifying tribute to Louis Armstrong, one of the most popular orchestral pops programs in the U.S. He has performed as a featured soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Boston Pops, New York Pops, and National Symphony, and has appeared at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
Stripling built his jazz career as lead trumpeter with the Count Basie Orchestra and has performed with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and Lionel Hampton. He currently serves as artistic director and conductor of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, blending jazz tradition with wide audience appeal.
2026 Masterclasses
2026 Adjudicators
 Summer CamargoInternationally recognized jazz trumpeter and composer, Juilliard graduate, member of the Saturday Night Live house band, and rising jazz star who has performed at major venues, released a debut album, and adjudicated jazz festivals. |  Tom LuerRenowned jazz saxophonist and educator with a national performance career and extensive experience leading workshops, masterclasses, and adjudicating jazz ensembles. |  Dr. Aaron HedenstromComposer, saxophonist, and professor of jazz studies with a strong portfolio of performance, recording, and academic scholarship, often featured as clinician and adjudicator. |
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 Eric SongerActive performer and music educator with a background in jazz ensemble direction and adjudication, regularly leading workshops and curriculum development in secondary and collegiate settings. |  Greg ByersProfessional Cello/Bassist, educator, and jazz ensemble director whose work includes performance, recording, and supporting student growth in jazz improvisation and ensemble performance. |  Dr. Kevin KjosExperienced music professor and band director known for developing high‐level jazz programs, publishing pedagogical work, and serving as an adjudicator and clinician at major jazz events. |
 Dr. Jeff CrowellUniversity director of jazz studies and conductor with extensive experience in large ensemble leadership, research, and adjudication at state and national jazz festivals. |  Dr. Phillip OstranderBand director and clinician specializing in jazz and instrumental music education, recognized for ensemble achievement and student mentorship. |  Dennis LuginbillVeteran jazz director, and educator with significant performance credentials and experience adjudicating competitive jazz programs. |
 Elaine BurtDedicated jazz educator and ensemble director focused on student musicianship, leadership, and festival adjudication. |  Jeremy BoettcherJazz bassist, educator, and band director known for strong ensemble leadership and contributions to jazz education through clinics and adjudication. |  John GreeneAccomplished band director and music educator with decades of experience leading jazz and concert ensembles, clinician at regional festivals, and respected adjudicator. |
 Pete James JohnsonProfessional jazz artist, bandleader, and educator recognized for ensemble direction, improvisation expertise, and adjudication work in jazz education circuits. |  Phil HolmAccomplished music educator and adjudicator proficient in jazz and concert band direction with a record of ensemble success and festival leadership. |