2026 Festival Recap
Three Days of Student Jazz at 18th & Vine
24th Annual 18th & Vine Student Jazz Festival · April 15–17, 2026
Middle and high school jazz ensembles from across the region gathered at the American Jazz Museum and the Gem Theater for three days of performances, clinics, and noon concerts. These photos — generously contributed by four photographers — capture the moments that made the festival. Click any image to view larger.
Wednesday's Noon Concert — JAZZ Spoken Here
The festival's opening noon concert: a tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane in the American Jazz Museum Atrium.
Photos by Paul Duryee · Paul Duryee Images
Thursday — Festival Introductions
Clarence Smith, Jill Johnson, and Mike Parkinson open the noon concert featuring the James Ward Band, plus a student ensemble on the Gem Theater stage.
Photos by Muriel Boyd
Thursday's Noon Concert — James Ward Band
The James Ward Band takes the AJM Atrium for Thursday's noon concert — a set that had audiences through the final note.
Photos by Dr. Mike Parkinson · Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors–Jamey Aebersold Clinic/Concert Series
.Cw1hdAzD_Z1P9R3I.webp)
Students on Stage
Middle and high school jazz ensembles from across the region performing throughout the festival week.
Photos by Clarence Smith · KC Jazz Academy
