Jazz Festival
About the PSU Jazz Festival
The 1st Annual Jazz Festival Concert was held in 1968 in Carney Auditorium at what was then called Kansas State College of Pittsburg.
The festival in its current format was started in 1974 by Professor Russell Jones with just 14 bands. In 1978, he passed the baton to Professor Robert Kehle, who continued to grow it until his retirement in 2023. It’s now coordinated by a committee of music faculty.
Recent festivals have attracted more than 70 middle and high school jazz bands from across the Four State Area, each of whom perform for a guest judge with high credentials. It's an unparalleled learning experience as well as an incredible opportunity to hear peer school jazz bands.
The day culminates with a high-energy concert at Memorial Auditorium in Downtown Pittsburg with the PSU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo as the opening act and featuring an internationally acclaimed jazz band as the headliner.
It has become a landmark cultural event for the area, the university, and the state of Kansas.
“Bob Kehle has done a wonderful job of turning the festival into a must-see event, inspiring countless students, educators, and professional musicians. It’s an incredibly exciting event that the students and the community look forward to each year.” — Professor Todd Hastings, director of the PSU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo.
Featured Artist
To Be Announced Soon!
Our Community.