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 24, 2024

    • 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 PERIOD: SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 - OCTOBER 27, 2024 [Note: the deadline has been extended]

  • $35 each solo performer or duet with teacher ($40 for non-member of CAMTA)

  • $30 each ensemble performer ($35 for non-member of CAMTA)

  • Teachers non-volunteer fee of $10

  • 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.

  • 1 piece per student unless accompanying others.

  • Piece must be between 1 and 3 minutes long.

  • A limited number of performers will be accepted. Registration date will determine priority.

  • 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.

ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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

Instructions for CAMTA Members:

  • Log in to your Member Portal account.

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

  • Select 2024 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. Note: The Payment Cart is currently unavailable. Check back early next week to complete your payment.

Teachers who are not members of CAMTA may request a temporary Member Portal account to register their students in the Jazz Festival.

Fill out the form below to request your account. You will receive an email from portal@camta.org with instructions on how to get your account set up.

JAZZ FESTIVAL GUEST ARTIST

This year we are delighted to have Bethany Pickens as our guest artist.

Bethany Pickens is an Award-winning Pianist, Composer and Educator. Born in Chicago she began her musical training under the watchful tutelage of her father Willie Pickens, world class Jazz Pianist. Since graduating from the American Conservatory of Music, Bethany has had the opportunity to perform, record, and conduct clinics with such artist as Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Willie Pickens, Susan Anton, and Grammy award winners Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Hargrove and Branford Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Usher.

As an Educator, Ms. Pickens has worked with the Ravinia Jazz Scholars Program and the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Program. Ms. Pickens recently retired from Teaching Music for
The Chicago Public Schools after 28 Years, her last 10 Years at
her Alma Mater Kenwood Academy High School! She sits on the Board of the Jazz institute of Chicago and the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club!

Her Debut CD is available at www.bethanypickens.com & iTunes. Follow Bethany Pickens on Facebook and Instagram.

“Steeped in tradition, committed to creativity”, is how she describes her musical outlook.

  • Jazz Festival Guest Artist List:

    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