Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

The Flynn brings R&B icon Mavis Staples and a loaded lineup of jazz talent to Burlington for its 43rd iteration of the festival.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and shattered glass, capturing the glamour and excitement of a major music festival.The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival's loaded 2026 lineup promises to bring a dazzling, high-energy celebration of music and culture to Vermont's largest city.Burlington Today

The 2026 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival will feature headliners such as Tank and the Bangas, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and soul music icon Mavis Staples. The festival, running from June 3 to 7, will also include performances by the Vermont Youth Orchestra Jazz program, pianist and composer Jason Moran, and a world premiere collaboration between saxophonist Chris Potter and guitarist Julian Lage.

Why it matters

The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is one of the largest performing arts events in Vermont, showcasing the state's vibrant music scene and drawing visitors from across the region. The festival's diverse lineup, featuring both local and national acts, highlights the city's reputation as a hub for jazz and R&B music.

The details

The festival will open on June 3 with 'The Beat Beneath Us,' a fusion of music and dance featuring Jason Moran, drummer Chris Dave, and dancer Savion Glover. Other highlights include Moran's tribute to Duke Ellington, 'My Heart Sings,' with the Vermont Youth Orchestra, and the world premiere of 'A Nation Listens,' a collaboration between saxophonist Chris Potter and guitarist Julian Lage. The festival will also feature performances by three-time Grammy-winning artist Ruthie Foster, 2025 Grammy winners Tank and the Bangas, and the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

  • The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival will run from June 3 to 7, 2026.
  • The festival will open on June 3 with 'The Beat Beneath Us'.
  • The closing show on June 7 is the world premiere of 'A Nation Listens'.

The players

Tank and the Bangas

A Grammy-winning R&B outfit that also won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

A big band that has been flying the flag for New Orleans jazz since the early 1960s.

Mavis Staples

A soul music icon who will headline the festival's flagship show on June 7.

Jason Moran

A pianist, composer, and MacArthur Fellow who is the festival's curator this year.

Chris Potter

A saxophonist who will collaborate with guitarist Julian Lage on the world premiere of 'A Nation Listens'.

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What they’re saying

“'Skateboarders have always represented something about a rogue documentation. You must create from a place that says 'don't create.' And in that way, musicians and skaters always find a language together.'”

— Jason Moran, Festival Curator

“'The population of our state is one of the smallest in the country. Fielding [almost] 1,000 musicians as part of its largest performing arts event in the state, that's extraordinary.'”

— Jay Wahl, Flynn Executive Director

What’s next

Tickets and more information about the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival are available at flynnvt.org.

The takeaway

The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival continues to showcase Vermont's vibrant music scene, bringing together local and national talent to create a diverse and dynamic lineup that celebrates the state's rich cultural heritage.