🎶 Johnson City Jazz Festival

📅 April 16–19, 2026
📍 Johnson City, TN & Jonesborough, TN

A multi-day celebration of regional and national jazz talent, featuring intimate performances, curated ensemble sets, and collaborative jam sessions across premier venues in the Tri-Cities.

🎸 Thursday, April 16 – Kickoff Night

📍 Capone’s | Downtown Johnson City
⏰ 7:00 – 10:00 PM
💲 FREE (Tips Encouraged)

7:00 – 7:10 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
7:10 – 8:00 PM – Ensemble Sets (Multiple Regional Groups)
8:00 – 8:10 PM – Break
8:10 – 9:00 PM – Ensemble Sets Continue
9:00 – 10:00 PM – 🎶 Open Jam Session Finale

Featuring 6+ regional ensembles in curated sets and an open collaborative jam.

🎷 Friday, April 17 – Main Stage Performances

📍 ETSU Martin Center for the Arts – Powell Recital Hall
🚪 Doors: 7:00 PM | 🎵 Music: 8:00 PM
💲 $35

8:00 – 8:45 PM – Moon Unit (Durham guitar trio)
8:45 – 9:00 PM – Intermission
9:00 – 10:15 PM – Emma Hedrick & Quintet

🎺 Saturday, April 18 – Main Stage Continues

📍 ETSU Martin Center for the Arts – Powell Recital Hall
🚪 Doors: 7:00 PM | 🎵 Music: 8:00 PM
💲 $35 ($60 for both nights)

8:00 – 9:00 PM – Vance Thompson Quintet (Knoxville)
9:00 – 9:15 PM – Intermission
9:15 – 10:30 PM – Steve LaSpina Quintet (Asheville)

🎼 Sunday, April 19 – Festival Finale

📍 Jackson Theatre
⏰ 7:00 – 9:00 PM
💲 $14

7:00 – 7:50 PM – ETSU Jazz Ensemble (Dir. Martin Walters)
7:50 – 8:00 PM – Intermission
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra (Dir. Eddie Dalton)

🎤 Festival Highlights

• 4 days of live jazz across multiple venues
• Mix of regional favorites and nationally recognized artists
• Intimate listening rooms and lively downtown atmosphere
• Affordable pricing, including a free kickoff event