JazzWeek 25: Abundance

Once known as the vibrant Jazz Corridor of the Midwest, Akron has a deep-rooted musical heritage that continues to thrive today. To celebrate this rich history, The University of Akron will host JazzWeek 25: Abundance from April 7 to April 11, 2025. This week-long festival will take place on and around the university campus, uniting students, faculty, musicians, and community members.

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup featuring local and national jazz artists, inspiring performances, and educational workshops designed for aspiring musicians and jazz enthusiasts of all ages. This event honors the legacy of jazz while fostering new talent and cultural expression, reminding everyone of its origins as a powerful form of artistic communication.

Join us in Akron for JazzWeek 2025 and immerse yourself in the rhythm and spirit of this timeless genre. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or a newcomer to the genre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Northeast Ohio has long been a birthplace of exceptional artistic talent in music, literature, and visual arts. This year, we honor two giants of jazz: Bittle Jazz Artist in Residence Joshua Redman and Visiting Artist in Residence Sean Jones. Trumpeter Sean Jones, born in Warren, Ohio, continues to carry forward the rich tradition of musicians from the region.

Throughout JazzWeek, we will showcase performances by UA Jazz Ensembles, local grade school groups, and veteran musicians, highlighting the incredible talent in our community and the bright future of creative music in the region and beyond.

JazzWeek 25 Schedule- Check back for updates!

• April 7th, 4pm- Joshua Redman Group Masterclass in Guzzetta Hall Room 09 FREE
• April 7th, 8pm- Visiting Artist in Residence Sean Jones with SmokeFace, Floco Torres and special guests with opening act UA Birth of the Cool Ensemble Location TBA
• April 8th, 7:30pm - Joshua Redman Group with opening act Sean Jones and the UA Jazz Ensemble at EJ Thomas Hall General Admission $30 Buy Tickets Here
• April 9th, 8pm- UA Faculty and Jazz Trio with Sean Jones plays Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool at Blu Jazz
• April 10th- UA Jazz Ensemble and Birth of the Cool Ensemble Location TBA
• April 11th, 7pm- Hubb's Groove Jazz Vespers at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W Market St. Akron 44313 FREE

Jazz Studies at The University of Akron School of Music

Why Akron?

The University of Akron Jazz Studies Program strives to bring creative improvised music into the social and cultural fabric of Northeast Ohio by fostering collaboration, education, and performance that connects with and inspires the community.

The University of Akron's Jazz faculty is committed to student success by:

• Providing students with opportunities to engage in masterclasses, clinics, and private lessons with industry leaders.
• Connecting students to the global jazz community and facilitating professional performances at renowned venues in Northeast Ohio.
• Ensuring that graduating students possess the entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in the music industry both locally and internationally. 

Current Curriculum

Music 210: Jazz Improvisation I: 2 credits

Music 211: Jazz Improvisation II: 2 credits

Music 212: Music Industry: A Survey of Practices & Opportunities: 2 credits

Music 307: Techniques of Jazz Ensemble Performance and Direction: 2 credits

Music 308: History and Literature of Jazz: 2 credits

Music 309: Jazz Keyboard Techniques: 2 credits

Music 310: Jazz Improvisation III: 2 credits

Music 311: Jazz Improvisation IV: 2 credits

Music 407: Jazz Arranging and Scoring: 2 credits