WICHITA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Since 1972, the Wichita Jazz Festival has been bringing the biggest names in jazz to Wichita, Kansas for concerts, clinics, workshops, and fun!

Since 1972, the Wichita Jazz Festival has been celebrating the history and legacy of jazz music while encouraging and developing the next generation of musicians and helping build on the love for one of the oldest genres of music in the world. With concerts, educational opportunities and the annual festival, some of the biggest names in the genre have made their way to Wichita to pair professional players with those learning the style. The festival traditionally features performances by high school and college musicians, local artists along with regionally and nationally-known headliners, and musicians who have the opportunity to take part in masterclasses to further their knowledge of the jazz community. 

The names listed below are only a small sampling of the countless jazz legends that have graced our stages.

For more detailed information on the festival's first 25+ years, view the WJF Retrospective gallery at the bottom of the page. 

Freddie Hubbard

Gary Burton

Gerry Mulligan

Gretchen Parlato

Hank Jones

Herb Ellis

Herbie Hancock

Jerry Hahn

Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Smith

Joe Henderson

John Pattitucci

John Scofield

Joshua Redman

Kenny Burrell

Lee Ritenour

Lionel Loueke

Lou Donaldson

Lou Marini

Louie Bellson

Lyle Mays

Matt Wilson

Maynard Ferguson

Max Roach

Stan Kenton

McCoy Tyner