Join us for an incomparable weekend of jazz! On the evenings of April 17th and 18th, GRAMMY-nominated UW-Eau Claire Jazz I will perform with two internationally-acclaimed guest artists. Audiences will also get a chance to hear the winning ensembles from the Student Sessions that day. This is a concert you don't want to miss!
Meet our 2026 Concert series Artists
Wyclife 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.
