West Chester University’s Jazz Festival Swings Back to Campus March 18–21
36th Annual Event Features Four Days of FREE Live Jazz
The Wells School of Music at West Chester University invites jazz lovers to experience four days of inspired performances at the 36th Annual WCU Jazz Festival, March 18–21, 2026. 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 at www.wcupa.edu/jazzfest and www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
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 at www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
Festival Highlights
Student Showcase – Wednesday, March 18 at 12 p.m.
A dynamic student-led ensemble, selected through a competitive audition process, launches
the festival with an energetic midday performance.
WCU Faculty Jazz Concert – Wednesday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
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, March 19 at 12 p.m.
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, March 19 at 7:30
p.m.
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, March
20 at 7:30 p.m.
The Criterions Jazz Ensemble, WCU’s premier big band, joins forces with celebrated vocalist Joanna Pascale and world-renowned trumpeter and EVI artist John Swana. Pascale—known for her sophisticated artistry and emotional depth—also serves on
the vocal faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Under the direction of Jonathan Ragonese, the concert will feature arrangements by Philadelphia jazz great Larry McKenna and others.
High School Jazz Festival – Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (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.