The Wells School of Music at West Chester University (WCU) invites jazz lovers to experience four days of inspired performances at the 36th Annual WCU Jazz Festival, Mar. 18-21.
All concerts take place in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Most concerts are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Sponsored by WRTI-FM, the festival highlights outstanding performances across four days of spirited jazz, offering audiences the chance to hear world-class musicians in an intimate concert setting. Full program details are available here and here.
The festival concludes on Saturday with a special event featuring regional high school jazz ensembles, who will perform, receive feedback, and participate in masterclasses with WCU faculty. Tickets for this event are available online here.
Festival Highlights
Student Showcase: Wednesday, Mar. 18 at 12:00 PM. A dynamic student-led ensemble, selected through a competitive audition process, launches the festival with an energetic midday performance.
WCU Faculty Jazz Concert: Wednesday, Mar. 18 at 7:30 PM. Members of the Wells School of Music faculty take the stage for an evening of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing the depth and versatility of WCU’s jazz program.
Diane Monroe: Thursday, Mar. 19 at 12:00 PM. Acclaimed violinist Diane Monroe brings her distinctive voice to the festival in an intimate lunchtime performance.
State of Affairs Central: The Harrisburg Jazz Collective – Thursday, Mar. 19 at 7:30 PM. Co-led by pianist Steve Rudolph and trumpeter Bill Perbetsky, this ensemble of leading Central Pennsylvania musicians delivers a vibrant evening of inventive and expressive jazz.
Philadelphia’s Finest Meet The Criterions: Joanna Pascale & John Swana — Friday, Mar. 20 at 7:30 PM. The Criterions Jazz Ensemble, WCU’s premier big band, joins forces with celebrated vocalist Joanna Pascale and world-renowned trumpeter and EVI artist Swana. Pascale — known for her sophisticated artistry and emotional depth — also serves on the vocal faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. The concert will feature arrangements by Philadelphia jazz great Larry McKenna and others.
High School Jazz Festival: Saturday, Mar. 21, 10 AM-4:00 PM (ticketed event). Presented in partnership with Cavalcade of Bands, this special event welcomes outstanding high school big bands to campus for a day of performances, clinics, and masterclasses with WCU faculty.
Learn more at WCU about how, with over 180 diverse academic opportunities, the college helps every student find their element.
