Lineup and events

The Reno Jazz Festival showcases an exciting lineup of headlining artists alongside a full schedule of festival events, including daytime clinics and performances, jam sessions, artist-educator spotlight concerts, and student showcases and reviews.

Headlining artists

Reno Jazz Festival is proud to welcome the following artists to our 2026 festival.

woman playing piano

Kris Davis + Manzanita Quintet

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall

Kris Davis is a Grammy-winning pianist and composer hailed by The New York Times as a beacon for modern jazz. With 25 albums as a leader or co-leader and collaborations with artists like Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, and Esperanza Spalding, she has earned top honors including Pianist of the Year from DownBeat and the Jazz Journalists Association. Davis also serves as Associate Program Director at Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, founder of Pyroclastic Records, and co-founder of the International Creators and Collaborators Workshop.

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ben wendel holding saxophone standing in front of blue screen

Ben Wendel + Jazz Lab 1

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel, co-founder of Kneebody, has performed with artists from Prince to Bill Frisell and released acclaimed solo projects including The Seasons and All One. A celebrated composer, educator, and collaborator, Wendel brings his innovative artistry to the stage in a performance not to be missed.

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Closing Concert + Awards

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 4 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall

Close out the Reno Jazz Festival with a high-energy celebration of the music, the students, and the moments that made this year unforgettable. The concert features the announcement of festival award winners, highlights from our Artist Educators and standout student performances from across the weekend. We’ll also spotlight exceptional individual performers and welcome a few talented University of Nevada, Reno jazz students to the stage. It’s a final set full of great music, big moments and the spirit that keeps jazz moving forward.

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Main festival events

Full event schedule

Check out the festival schedule to see the wide range of concerts, clinics, and events that define the Reno Jazz Festival.

View Schedule