2025 UNC•GREELEY
JAZZ FESTIVAL

April 24-26, 2025

The largest event of its kind in the nation, the UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival brings together internationally recognized artists, jazz lovers, award-winning clinicians, and over 250 college, high school, and middle school big bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from across the country. Each year, over 7,500 participants enjoy main stage concerts, after-hours sessions, non-competitive daytime performances, and educational workshops.
 

---

The Legendary
COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA & 
UNC's COMPASS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
with Latin Percussionist Samuel Torres

Friday, April 25, 2025 | 4:30pm & 7:30pm

The Count Basie Orchestra, led by jazz legend William "Count" Basie, remains one of the most celebrated jazz ensembles worldwide, still captivating audiences nearly 40 years after Basie's passing. Directed today by Scotty Barnhart, the orchestra has earned 18 Grammy Awards, most recently winning Best Large Jazz Ensemble in 2023 for Basie Swings the Blues. With a legacy marked by performances for royalty, iconic festival appearances, and a #1 holiday album, this storied orchestra embodies the timeless excellence and grandeur of American jazz.

---

SULLIVAN FORTNER, SOLO PIANO
& THE JAZZ FESTIVAL ALL-STAR BIG BAND featuring Saxophonist Sarah Hanahan & Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 4:30pm

Grammy Award-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner brings his uncompromising individualism to the solo piano to open this finale concert. The Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band sweeps in next joined by Sarah Hanahan, a NYC-based alto saxophonist who was recently named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s 30 under 30 Youngbloods, and legendary trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, “a once in a lifetime lead trumpet player.”

---

---

School Performance Clinics

Open to all levels from elementary school through college/university and semi-professional groups, the festival hosts a wide array of ensembles in a non-competitive environment. Groups may register in four categories: big bands, combos, vocal jazz groups, and vocal soloists. All groups receive recorded comments and a feedback clinic from some of our 40 artist/clinicians (college big bands receive recorded comments only). Choose from either an In-person clinic on the University of Northern Colorado Campus or a virtual clinic on Zoom. Each day, several educational workshops on topics ranging from improvisation and arranging to vocal and instrumental techniques are offered by the artist/clinicians and our main stage artists.

What's Included

• A 30-minute performance slot
• Feedback comments and a feedback clinic.
• Access to the Jazz Festival Workshops, Artist Meet & Greets, and After Hours Jam Sessions.

Registration Instructions

1. Register your ensemble and pay the $315 fee.
2. Login to your portal to view your ensemble's schedule, parking assignments, and more.