2026 Athens Jazz Festival Main Concert Announced

Featuring jazz icon Vincent Herring and Ohio University Jazz Ensembles

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Athens Jazz Festival will host a free main concert event featuring acclaimed saxophonist Vincent Herring performing alongside the Ohio University Jazz Ensemble I and OU Jazz Percussion Ensemble. The concert will take place on March 21, 2026 in Athens, Ohio.

Why it matters

The Athens Jazz Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that draws jazz enthusiasts from across the region to enjoy world-class performances. Securing an artist of Vincent Herring's caliber as the headliner is a major coup for the festival, further cementing its reputation as a premier destination for jazz music.

The details

Herring, known for his work with jazz legends like Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Blakey, will be joined by the Ohio University Jazz Ensemble I under the direction of Matthew James, as well as the OU Jazz Percussion Ensemble led by Roger Braun. The concert will be free and open to the public.

  • The 2026 Athens Jazz Festival main concert will take place on March 21, 2026.

The players

Vincent Herring

A renowned jazz saxophonist who has performed and recorded with numerous jazz icons over his extensive career.

Ohio University Jazz Ensemble I

The premier jazz ensemble at Ohio University, directed by Matthew James.

OU Jazz Percussion Ensemble

The jazz percussion ensemble at Ohio University, directed by Roger Braun.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have an artist of Vincent Herring's caliber headlining our main concert this year. His collaborations with jazz legends are unparalleled, and we know the audience is in for an unforgettable performance.”

— Matthew James, Director, Ohio University Jazz Ensemble I

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Athens Jazz Festival main concert featuring Vincent Herring will be available to the public starting on January 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 Athens Jazz Festival's main concert promises to be a must-see event for jazz enthusiasts, with the opportunity to witness a true master of the saxophone, Vincent Herring, perform alongside talented student musicians from Ohio University.