Jazz Festival

ABOUT THE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The purpose of the Jazz Festival is to instill an appreciation of the jazz genre by exposing students to blues, boogie, ragtime, standards, and other jazz styles using composed pieces, original arrangements, and improvisation. This event provides an exciting opportunity for your student to perform and hear others play in the Jazz style. They will also hear a short program by outstanding professional jazz musicians.

JAZZ FESTIVAL COORDINATOR

Terry Tennes jazzfest@camta.org

IMPORTANT DATES AND VENUE

  • Festival Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

    • A.M. Program: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

    • P.M. Program: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  • Festival Venue: The Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct., in Chicago

REGISTRATION AND FEES

  • REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, October 19, 2025

  • $40 each solo performer or duet with teacher ($45 for non-member of CAMTA)

  • $35 each ensemble performer ($40 for non-member of CAMTA)

  • Teachers non-volunteer fee of $15

  • FEES CANNOT BE REFUNDED!

  • Registration and fee payments must be completed online (see below)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • CD accompaniments may be used.

  • All solos must be memorized and performance ready.

  • Ensemble performers may use printed music but no photocopies.

  • 6 students/ensembles limit per teacher. Additional students may be accepted if time permits.

  • 1 piece per student unless accompanying others.

  • Piece must be between 1 and 3 minutes long.

  • Every participant must attend the entire a.m. or p.m. Program.

  • There will be a raffle at the end of each program. Winners must be present.

  • Ensemble performers must be responsible for all of their equipment (music stands, special chairs, etc.) and must consult with the stage manager 15 minutes before the program starts.

  • The committee reserves the right to disqualify (or reject) selections which do not adhere to these guidelines. Feel free to call a committee member if you are unsure.

2025 JAZZ FESTIVAL GUEST ARTIST

This year we are delighted to have Ben Paterson as our guest artist.

Combining a joyful swing feel with an impeccable touch, Steinway Artist Ben Paterson has established himself as one of the most exciting pianists on the Jazz scene today, garnering international acclaim for his superb musicianship and engaging performances.  Originally from Philadelphia, Ben studied both classical and jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City. 

In 2018 Ben was named as the First Place Winner of the Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition, with judges including Ellis and Branford Marsalis, Arturo O'Farrill and Jonathan Batiste.  In 2019 he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of their tribute to Oscar Peterson, playing alongside John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and fellow pianists including Benny Green and Kenny Barron.   In 2023 Ben was the pianist on the Grammy Winning record ‘Linger Awhile’ from Samara Joy, joined by David Wong on bass and Kenny Washington on drums.  

Ben has released 9 CD's under his own name. Visit www.benpaterson.com for more information.

  • Jazz Festival Guest Artist List:

    2025 Ben Paterson

    2024 Bethany Pickens Trio

    2023 Steve Million and Eric Hochberg Duo

    2022 The Paul Abella Trio

    2021 Jo Ann Doherty (online!)

    2020 Thaddeus Tukes (online!)

    2019 Jeremy Kahn

    2018 Mike Smith Quartet

    2017 Joan Collaso and the Larry Hanks Trio

    2016 Dee Alexander, Ernie Adams, Miguel de la Cerna,

    2015 John Moulder and Ken Hall

    2014 Erwin Helfer and Barrelhouse Chuck

    2013 Yoko Noge Trio

    2012 Jim Ryan and Bobby Lewis

    2011 Reginald Robinson

    2010 John Bany, Charlie Braugham, Don Stille

    2009 Michael Stryker, Bob Rummage, Marlene Rosenberg

    2008 Joe Vito

    2007 Chad Willets

    2006 John Weber

    2005 Rhythms of the Americas (Geraldo d’Olivera, Paulhino Garcia, Alejo Poveda)

    2004 Spider Saloff with Dennis Luxion

    2003 Howard Levy

    2002 Jackie Allen and Judy Roberts (Jeremy Kahn, no Judy)

    2001 Vince Willis

    2000 Corky Siegel (chamber blues)

    1999 Michael Kocour

    1998 Willie Pickens?

    1997

    1996 Bethany Pickens?

    1995

    ? Stu Katz

    ? Erwin Helfer

ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:

The CAMTA Member Portal will be used for Jazz Festival registration.

Note: a computer (desktop/laptop) is required to use the CAMTA Member Portal. Mobile devices and tablets are not supported at this time.

Instructions for CAMTA Members:

  • Log in to your Member Portal account.

  • From the sidebar, click Events, then Active Events. 

  • Select 2025 Jazz Festival. 

  • Enter your volunteer information.

  • Use the Register button to register students/duets/ensembles.

  • Check out of the Payment Cart to complete your registrations.

Instructions for Non-Members

Teachers who are not members of CAMTA will need a Member Portal account to register students for the Jazz Festival.

Any non-member who previously created a portal account can simply login and register their students. All non-member fees will automatically be applied.

If you have not previously created a Member Portal Account, fill out the form below to request a non-member account. You will receive an email from portal@camta.org with instructions on how to get your account set up. Then follow the same instructions listed above to register students.

Member portal accounts will be allocated to teachers only (not parents).