Wichita, KS – Friends University Fine Arts presents the 31st Annual Jazz Festival, 2025,February 20-21 in the newly refurbished Riney Fine Arts Center (2100 W University Ave, Wichita, KS, 67213).
Following a brief hiatus in 2024 while extensive improvements were made to the Riney Fine Arts Center, Sebits Auditorium and Instrumental Hall, the Jazz Festival is back for 2025 with an exciting itinerary and public concerts.
Over 20 high school jazz ensembles will take part in a series of seminars, workshops and jam sessions in the Riney Fine Arts Center during the two-day event. Each evening will conclude with a public concert starting at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium.
Feb. 20 – featuring Hutchinson Community College’s ‘Badinage’; Friends University’s Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Conjunto Latino; with guest artist Kerry Marsh.
Feb. 21 – featuring Friends University’s Jazz Lab Band and Concert Jazz Band; with guest artist Victor Garcia.
Tickets for the public performances are $12 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or at the door prior to showtime.
“Preparations for this year’s festival have been a welcome return to what normal should be for this program and for myself as a jazz educator. It is a joyous return to presenting concerts as a calling and to the realization that we have the capability and resources to usher meaningful transformative change for jazz band participants, music educators, and our campus community. I am grateful to the directors of 23 bands and their vote of confidence that this jazz festival is worthy of their students’ participation.”
Dr. Nicholas Schroeder
Assistant Professor of Music; Program Director: Jazz
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
