Southern Arkansas Jazz Fesitval
February 26 & 27 | Harton Theatre
Join us for this exciting jazz music event featuring masterclasses and performances from 14 high school jazz bands from Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana! (High school jazz groups of any size are invited to participate in this event) Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your band and learn from experienced professionals in the jazz community!
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026
Special Thursday afternoon masterclass followed by a concert at 7:00 p.m. featuring the Patterson/Purcell Project. FREE if you are signed up for Feb. 27, 2026. $100.00 per band if you are not participating on Feb. 27, 2026.
Friday, Feb 27, 2026
Masterclasses and high school performances starting at 9 a.m.
Finale Concert at 7 p.m. with the SAU Big Band featuring guest artists ($10 PER PERSON)
FREE for high school students and SAU students, faculty, and staff (with valid SAU ID). Please note that all tickets are available for online purchase only.
Registration has closed for this event.
Featured Guest Artists for the 5th Annual Jazz Fest
Patterson/Purcell Project
Ben Patterson
Acclaimed trombonist, composer, and former U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note leader, drives Washington, D.C.’s jazz scene, leads top ensembles, records on Origin Records, and publishes globally performed arrangements.
Dr. Shawn Purcell
Leading jazz guitarist, composer, and educator, with global performance credits, major recordings and publishing's, U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note / U.S. Navy Commodores, and George Mason University faculty member.
Todd Harrison
Drummer, percussionist, arranger, blends vast genre experience from jazz to Afro-Cuban. U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors / most sought-after D.C.–Baltimore musician, collaborator, and recording artist
Paul Henry
Upright and electric bassist, 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note, a versatile performer active in jazz groups, big bands, Kennedy Center theater productions, symphonies, and heard on over 50 recordings.
