Jazz Festival
Featured Artist
Adam Larson Ten-tet
Featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in the Kansas City metro, the Adam Larson Ten-tet brings together exceptional performers for an unforgettable evening of contemporary jazz.
Saxophonist, composer, and educator Adam Larson is an internationally recognized artist whose work has been praised by DownBeat Magazine, The New York Times, and All About Jazz for its lyricism, creativity, and rhythmic sophistication. A prolific composer, Larson has written more than 200 original works that blend jazz traditions with modern influences and diverse musical styles.
Larson has performed throughout the United States and around the world, including tours in Africa, Asia, Europe, and India. In addition to his performing career, he is the author of numerous bestselling jazz education books and online courses used by musicians in more than 45 countries.
A sought-after clinician and guest director, Larson has led all-state ensembles, adjudicated prestigious youth competitions, and worked with some of the nation’s most talented young jazz musicians. He currently resides in Kansas City, where he continues to perform, compose, and teach.
Collectively, members of the Ten-tet have presented more than 1,000 masterclasses worldwide while maintaining active careers as performers and educators. Bringing these outstanding musicians together on one stage, the 2027 Pitt State Jazz Festival featured concert promises an evening of artistry, energy, and world-class jazz that audiences won't want to miss.
The Adam Larson Ten-tet is comprised of:
Adam Larson - bandleader/saxophonist
Dave Chael - alto saxophone
Michael Emmert - tenor saxophone
Brad Gregory - baritone saxophone
Marcus Lewis - trombone
Trent Austin - trumpet
Nate Nall - trumpet
Carolina Calvache - piano
John Fraka - guitar
Sebastian Arias - bass
John Kizilarmut - drums
School Registration
Band directors:
Don’t miss your chance to participate in one of the longest running, most exciting jazz festivals in the Midwest!
Recent festivals have attracted more than 70 middle and high school jazz bands from across the Four State Area, each of whom perform for a guest judge with high credentials. It's an unparalleled learning experience as well as an incredible opportunity to hear peer school jazz bands.
Your day will include:
- A critique of your school jazz band
- The chance for your students to hear other school jazz bands perform throughout the day
- The opportunity for your students to attend the evening concert with the featured artist and the PSU Jazz Band at $10 per person
For additional information: jazzfest@pittstate.edu or 620-235-4466
About the PSU Jazz Festival
The 1st Annual Jazz Festival Concert was held in 1968 in Carney Auditorium at what was then called Kansas State College of Pittsburg.
The festival in its current format was started in 1974 by Professor Russell Jones with just 14 bands. In 1978, he passed the baton to Professor Robert Kehle, who continued to grow it until his retirement in 2023. It’s now coordinated by a committee of music faculty.
It has become a landmark event for the area, the university, and the state of Kansas.
“Bob Kehle has done a wonderful job of turning the festival into a must-see event, inspiring countless students, educators, and professional musicians. It’s an incredibly exciting event that the students and the community look forward to each year.” — Professor Todd Hastings, director of the PSU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo.
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