The 2025 Green Bay Jazz Festival will take place March 31 – April 5, with specially curated events celebrating Jazz and highlighting the musicians that make the music happen. It continues UW-Green Bay’s 55-year tradition of providing student musicians from around the state with masterclass learning and performance opportunities with UW-Green Bay Professors and musicians.

Don’t miss the headline concert on April 5 at the Weidner Center, featuring Grammy®-nominated composer, arranger, and educator John La Barbera.

Schedule of Events

March 31, 2025

5:00pm

Corni Angelicus - Jazz Fest Opening Night

6:30 Concert Series

Corni Angelicus - Jazz Fest Opening Night Event

The 6:30 Concert Series teams up with Green Bay Jazz Fest for the opening night kickoff event at the Tarlton Theatre! Corni Angelicus (Angelic Horns) co-founders Peggy Moran (horn) and Jack Helsley (bass) join forces with local musicians to share new music for the lush combination of horn quartet and rhythm section.

Free Event, Open to the Public

Venue: The Tarlton Theatre -  405-409 West Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI

April 02, 2025

7:00pm

The Glenn Miller Story - Film Screening

(1954 - directed by Anthony Mann)

Acclaimed biopic of legendary big band leader, Glenn Miller (1904-1944), at several turning points throughout his career, marriage and life. From his early days in the music business to his death in WWII. 

Starring James Stewart, June Allyson, and all-star cast of musician cameos.

Event is Free to Attend & Open to the Public

Venue: The Tarlton Theatre -  405-409 West Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI

April 03, 2025

6:00pm

Mingus Fest

featuring Green Bay Jazz Orchestra & Mingus Combo

Mingus Fest celebrates the life and music of legendary bassist/composer/bandleader Charles Mingus (1922-1979).

Born at Luna Cafe in 2001, Mingus fest boasts the same core group for over 20 years: Nick Utrie (guitar), Cully Swansen (bass), Steve Johnson (reeds), James LeFevre (percussion), and special guest Adam Gaines (trumpet).

Charles Mingus Jr. was an American jazz upright bassist, composer, bandleader, pianist, and author. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history.

Event is Free to Attend & Open to the Public

Venue: The Tarlton Theatre -  405-409 West Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI

April 04, 2025

7:30pm

All-City Jazz Band

& UW-Green Bay Jazz Ensemble I

Join the All City Jazz Ensemble and the UW-Green Bay Jazz Ensemble as they join forces & instruments live on The Weidner stage with special guest Wycliffe Gordan for an exciting concert celebrating jazz musicians from all over our community & campus.

The All-City Jazz Ensemble is made up of the best and brighest high school musicians from 11 local high schools.

Event is free to attend & open to the public

Venue: The Weidner - Cofrin Family Hall, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Weidner Center, Green Bay, WI

April 05, 2025

7:30pm

Headline Concert

Green Bay Jazz Orchestra

with special guest John La Barbera

John LaBarbera is a Grammy ® nominated composer, arranger, and educator whose works have been performed and recorded by groups including The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Count Basie, Mel Torme, and Harry James. He is also the Co-Founder of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra and is in demand as a seasoned jazz educator and clinician. Enjoy the classic sounds of the big band era as the Green Bay Jazz Orchestra performs under the direction of John LaBarbera.

Venue: The Weidner - Cofrin Family Hall, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Weidner Center, Green Bay, WI

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10:00pm

Late Night Jam at The Tarlton Theatre

A loose late night jam session/party featuring Green Bay Jazz festival and Community performers letting the music take them as late into the night as they feel. Cash bar available.

Event is free to attend and open to the public.

Venue: The Tarlton Theatre -  405-409 West Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI

Date: March 31 - April 5, 2025

Location:

The Tarlton Theatre -  405-409 West Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI

The Weidner - Cofrin Family Hall, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Weidner Center, Green Bay, WI

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