The University of Akron School of Performing Arts Jazz Studies Department will present JazzWeek 26: Overjoyed, a four-day celebration of jazz April 13-16, 2026, on and around The University of Akron campus.
Bringing together students, faculty, professional musicians and community members, JazzWeek 26 highlights the power of jazz to connect people across generations and experiences. The festival features performances, collaborations and learning opportunities designed for musicians and jazz lovers of all ages.
This year’s theme, Overjoyed, reflects the energy, history and future of jazz. From nationally recognized guest artists to standout Northeast Ohio performers, JazzWeek honors the region’s rich jazz legacy while creating space for new voices and creative expression.
"Akron is Jazz."
Featured guest artists
JazzWeek 26 will spotlight Bittle Jazz Artists-in-Residence Jennifer Wharton and Sharel Cassity, alongside local and regional artists including Chris Coles, Theron Brown, Wave Magnetic, JT’s Electric Blackout and more.
Festival Schedule
- Monday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. - UA Wind Symphony presents Bernstein's Prelude, Fugue and Riffs at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave, Akron, 44325, FREE
- Monday, April 13, 9 p.m. - JT’s Electric Blackout at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave, Akron, 44325, FREE
- Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. - Bonegasm led by Jennifer Wharton with UA Jazz Studies at Blu Jazz, 47 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308, $20 at the door, Students FREE with ID
- Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. - Wave Magnetic with UA Jazz Studies at Musica, 51 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308, FREE
- Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m - Sharel Cassity with UA Jazz Combo and UA Jazz Ensemble at EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St, Akron, OH 44325, $20 and up -- BUY TICKETS HERE
About the guest artists
Jennifer Wharton
Jennifer Wharton is a low brass specialist based in New York City. Though getting her start classically, Jen has planted deep roots in jazz and commercial music. She can usually be found honking out low notes in a Broadway pit, a recording studio, on stage or in a big band section. Jen is a member of multiple Grammy-nominated jazz orchestras, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Alan Ferber Big Band and the Terraza Big Band. She has also performed or recorded with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band, Woody Herman Orchestra, Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra, Jihye Lee Jazz Orchestra, Big Heart Machine, lots of at-home virtual big bands, and with her favorite husband, trombonist/composer John Fedchock. Jennifer released her sophomore album with her band Bonegasm called Not A Novelty on Sunnyside Records in Spring 2021. Learn more at www.jenniferwharton.com.
Sharel Cassity
Sharel Cassity is an award-winning saxophonist, flutist, and educator recognized as DownBeat Magazine’s 2023 Rising Star Alto Saxophonist and featured cover artist. A prominent voice on the New York and Chicago jazz scenes, she has performed with legends including Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Jennifer Hudson, and has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Colbert Show. Cassity has released five critically acclaimed albums as a leader and co-leads projects including Altoizm and Alliance. She tours internationally, performs at major jazz festivals worldwide, teaches at DePaul University, and directs the nonprofit Jazz Up! education program.
Theron Brown
Theron Brown, hailing from Zanesville, Ohio, grew up in a musical family influenced by the rhythms of church. Starting with drums and later taking up piano and viola, his love for music flourished, particularly within jazz, inspired by Thelonious Monk during his studies at the University of Akron. Theron is known for his versatile performances alongside renowned artists, from The Cleveland Orchestra to Snarky Puppy, and has performed globally, including at the Kennedy Center and Tokyo Kokusai Forum Hall. His role as young Herbie Hancock in the film 'Miles Ahead' showcased both his musical and acting talents. Now based in Akron, he actively contributes to the local arts scene as the artist coordinator for I Promise School, a board member of various cultural organizations, and founder of the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival. As a professor of practice and chair of Jazz Studies in the School of Performing Arts at The University of Akron, he inspire students with his musical insights. With recordings like 'No Concepts' and the upcoming 'Spirit Fruit,' he continues to blend gospel and jazz, sharing messages of love worldwide.
Chris Coles
Christopher J. Coles, a graduate of Cleveland South High School (2004), earned his bachelor's degree in Saxophone Performance from Youngstown State University in 2009 and his master's from the University of Akron in 2012. He studied with notable educators including Dr. James C. Umble and Dr. Kent Englehardt. Coles has performed with acclaimed jazz musicians such as Grammy Award winner Slide Hampton and Wessell Anderson. He participated in prestigious events like the North American Saxophone Alliance Regional Festival and the International Saxophone Symposium. In 2017, he received the Knight Arts Challenge award in Akron, leading to grant funding for his multimedia tribute "Nine Lives," which premiered in 2019. Now a Yamaha Performing Artist, Coles teaches at Oberlin Conservatory, The University of Akron, and The Tri-C Creative Arts JazzFest Academy, dedicating himself to mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians
UA Jazz Ensemble
The University of Akron's Jazz Ensemble is available to Jazz Studies majors/minors, and non-jazz majors/minors and non-music majors alike. The goal of the Jazz ensemble is to honor the historic master composers of big band and to push forward the big band genre by playing new and commissioned works.
About The University of Akron School of Performing Arts Jazz Studies Department
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.
For more information:
- Sarah Jones Saddleton (publicity and administration) at slj6@uakron.edu
- Chris Coles (Jazz Studies Faculty, Festival Director) at cjc72@uakron.edu