“The Jazz Festival is always one of the highlights of the year,” said Alex Heitlinger, Elon director of Jazz Studies and festival organizer. “New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz and we are excited to bring these world-class musicians to our campus to share its unique musical traditions.”

The festival opens Thursday, February 19, with a special Lyceum Series performance by Tuba Skinny at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Based in New Orleans, Tuba Skinny has earned an international following for its joyful, deeply informed approach to early jazz and American popular music. Drawing from blues, ragtime, spirituals and swing, the band presents a sound that feels both timeless and alive. Tickets for this concert are $15 or free with an Elon ID and are available at .

The festival continues Friday, February 20, as fourteen local and regional middle school and high school jazz bands visit campus for a full day of performances and educational workshops. A highlight of the day will be a public masterclass from 12–1 p.m. led by featured guest artist Roderick “Rev” Paulin, one of New Orleans’ most respected and soulful saxophonists. This class will occur in the McCrary Theatre and is free and open to the public.

The festival culminates on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a 7:30 p.m. concert in McCrary Theatre featuring the Elon Jazz Ensembles performing alongside Roderick Paulin. This final concert is also free and open to the public.

Roderick Paulin brings more than four decades of experience in jazz. A New Orleans native, he began his musical journey in the city’s brass band tradition under the guidance of his father, Ernest “Doc” Paulin. Over the years, he has become a fixture at iconic venues such as Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, the Maple Leaf and Snug Harbor. A versatile performer on saxophone and clarinet, Paulin released his 2024 clarinet debut OLD TO NEW, honoring his brother Rickey Paulin and the pioneers of traditional New Orleans music. In addition to his performing career, he is a dedicated educator, serving on faculty at Southern University and the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, and working with students across the country through masterclasses and workshops.

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Heitlinger, along with two other featured composers, will present a concert of all-original music featuring an all-star ensemble of New York City jazz musicians.

“It’s a huge honor to be invited,” said Heitlinger. “I’m excited to be able to present my music as part of this wonderful series.”

Heitlinger plans to include pieces from his most recent album (SteepleChase Records). The Jazz Composer Showcase, curated by Hazama, is known for spotlighting exceptional jazz composers.

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Lande, a Grammy-nominated musician, is regarded as one of today’s premier improvisational jazz pianists. A musical prodigy, he began playing piano at the age of four. He went on to study at Williams College, and in 1969, moved to San Francisco where he quickly established himself as an innovative voice in the jazz scene. Known for pushing the boundaries of jazz, Lande is known for his own unique and personal approach to improvisation and composition.

Lande’s career is marked by groundbreaking collaborations and achievements. In 1973, he recorded with jazz legends Jan Garbarek and Ted Curson, and by the mid-1970s, he had founded his own jazz school, sharing his wealth of knowledge with aspiring musicians. In 1976, he formed the influential quartet Rubisa Patrol, which recorded for ECM and was active until 1983, further cementing his reputation as an artist dedicated to expanding the limits of jazz.

After a three-year teaching stint in Switzerland, Lande relocated to Boulder, Colorado in 1987, where he continues to pursue his mission of eliminating barriers between listening and creating music. This unique philosophy is central to Lande’s performances, where the act of creation and the experience of listening are intertwined in an organic, collaborative process.

The event will be held at Elon Community Church (217 N. Williamson Avenue) at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

In addition to presenting masterclasses for the students, the two musicians will join the ECU Jazz Ensemble for an exciting concert featuring works by J.J. Johnson, Johnny Mandel, Oliver Nelson, Andre Hayward, and more.

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