Elmhurst University Jazz Festival
West Suburbs
Chicago holds an important place in the history of jazz music. When over six million African Americans migrated north from the Southern United States beginning early in the twentieth century, they brought the new musical style to the clubs on the Windy City’s South Side. A new Chicago style jazz evolved and went on to influence many genres. This appreciation of jazz continues in the western suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois at the annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival.
Since 1968, Elmhurst University (then Elmhurst College) hosted the Midwest regional event for the American College Jazz Festival. When the national festival, which focused on student competition, ended in 1973, Elmhurst continued the tradition with their own festival.
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival welcomed world-famous jazz artists alongside students to create an educational atmosphere where musicians could learn from each other. Guest artists demonstrated their skills on stage, but also offered critiques and clinics for the next generation of musicians. Awards were given to the most outstanding ensembles, individual musicians, and student composers and arrangers.
Numerous legendary jazz acts have participated in the festival including Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz, the Dave Holland Quintet, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Count Basie Orchestra, Patti Austin, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra.
In 2017, the Festival celebrated its 50th Anniversary and celebrated its history with the publishing of the book “50 Years at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival” by Andrew Santella.
