37th Annual ISU Jazz Fest to Feature Renowned Guest Artist Randy Gloss and Friends

This year, we are thrilled to feature guest artist Randy Gloss, whose incredible skills as a percussionist and educator will undoubtedly elevate the experience for attendees. This festival is proudly sponsored in part by the Idaho Commission on the Arts and Roy Miller, a long-time supporter of the arts. The School of Performing Arts is inviting individuals and organizations to consider sponsoring the event to help make this celebration of jazz even more impactful. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tabitha La Force at (208) 282-1404.

The ISU Jazz Festival has been a beloved local institution for decades, providing ISU students, high school musicians, faculty, and community members with a unique opportunity to engage with world-class artists. Jon Armstrong, associate professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies, emphasizes that this year marks the beginning of a dedication to incorporating world music master musicians into the festival.

"The word 'jazz' often gets simplified to just a style," Armstrong shares. "However, it historically represents a creative approach to spontaneous music-making. This innovation in contemporary jazz is evolving internationally, and we aim to enrich our students and community through this exposure."

Jenna McClean, assistant professor of Applied Voice and Commercial Music, underscores the innovative spirit of the festival by highlighting the newly formed Commercial Music Big Band.

"This new commercial music big band has been an exciting and experimental opportunity for the students to develop their skills as improvisers, which is a key component of the jazz tradition. The spirit of the band is very collaborative, and this is exactly the type of energy we hope to share with visiting high school students. We want them to see how adventurous and rich this music can be."

Event Details: 
Friday, February 7
Station Square | 7 - 10 p.m. 
Suggested Donation: $10 (No one will be turned away due to lack of funds) 

Randy Gloss will perform alongside the ISU Faculty Sextet, presenting a captivating mix of world music including Indian, Brazilian, Arabic, and American influences. 

Saturday, February 8
Stephen's Performing Arts Center 
Admission:  $8 | Students: Free

The day will spotlight regional high school jazz bands from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., offering young musicians the chance to showcase their talent—and to collaborate with a renowned artist. Each participating school will receive a 30-minute clinic with Randy Gloss, and they’ll leave with a recorded session to share with their community. 

Later, join us in the Jensen Concert Hall for a night of incredible performances at 7:30 p.m., featuring Randy Gloss with the ISU Faculty Sextet and the newly formed Commercial Music Big Band. 

Attendees can look forward to an exhilarating performance that highlights the diverse rhythms and styles Randy Gloss brings. He will play various hand drums and drum sets, collaborating with ISU professors, including Jonathan Armstrong, Jenna McLean, Eddie Ludema, Craig Green, and James Breker. "Randy is not just an incredible musician but also a passionate educator who lifts the spirits and musicianship of everyone around him," Armstrong notes.

The festival thrives on involving local high school jazz bands, a central mission that enriches the music community. "Bringing high school jazz programs together with a world-renowned artist is an invaluable opportunity for growth and inspiration," Armstrong explains. In addition to individual clinics, schools can participate in a full-day jam session led by ISU commercial music faculty and students.

Armstrong also expresses excitement about performances from the Commercial Music Big Band, co-directed by himself and Jenna McLean. The band has worked diligently on a six-song set of world-music fusion, with each piece featuring Randy Gloss.

"This is going to be a killer set and a testament to the hard work of our students."

Reflecting on past festivals, Armstrong reiterates the infectious energy that characterizes the event, noting that every jazz fest creates a powerful connection between performers and the audience.

"Jazz Fest is a party, and this year will be no different. We'll continue to celebrate the spirit and energy of creative music-making that defines our program and community."