California Jazz Championships Hosted by Palladio
JOIN US APRIL 24 – 25, 2026
Open to High Schools, and Colleges!
Jazz Competition hosted by Live Performing Arts Academy and takes place at Palladio on various stages over two days.
Interested in Competing, Register Here. More Info, click here
California Jazz Championships” coming to Palladio in Folsom, California on April 24-25, 2026! With over 60 and growing Jazz Big Band, Jazz Choir, and Jazz Combo groups performing, it’s an opportunity to support one of the largest high school and college jazz competitions in California. Come out and listen for free; More than 60 schools on four stages, performing each day from 8am till 7pm. Schedule of events, TBD. Map of venue, click here. More info here
Friday Evening Concert – April 24, 7:00pm
The California Jazz Championships 2025 Friday Night Concert event features guest artists the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. More info and Buy tickets here. The California Jazz Championships is proud to have guest artists the Vanguard Jazz orchestra headline our 7pm Friday evening concert on April 24th at the Palladio in Folsom, CA. This outdoor rain or shine event will feature the iconic ensemble.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra began its life as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1966. The world-famous Village Vanguard jazz club in New York City booked the newly formed band for three Monday nights that February. Those performances were wildly successful, and the engagement was extended indefinitely. The Village Vanguard’s owner, Max Gordon, told Mel Lewis, “We’ll keep it going until it tapers off.” Over half a century and more than 2,700 Monday nights later, it still hasn’t. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra stands apart from all other modern ensembles of its kind and remains as strong and vital as ever. Buy tickets here
Parents and the general public can cheer on student musicians while enjoying top notch jazz. Palladio stores, entertainment and restaurants add to the street festival atmosphere. It is not only an amazing music education opportunity for all participants, but a community event that has a multi-pronged appeal, with something for everyone from children to adults.
This ground-breaking event is hosted by the Live Performing Arts Academy, a new non-profit organization founded by renowned music director and educator, Mr. Curtis Gaesser, recently retired from the nationally award-winning Folsom High School Jazz Program, and heralded vocalist and educator Ms. Gaw Vang-Williams, both the current director Folsom High School Jazz Program and the Sacramento State Vocal Jazz program. Its mission is to provide live performing arts education, opportunities, and experiences for all students.