Wichita’s annual jazz festival is kicking off this week, with jazz performances from various local and visiting musicians at venues across the city. 

The Wichita Jazz Festival is designed to celebrate the history of jazz music and develop the “next generation of musicians,” according to the Wichita Jazz Festival website. The festival has been part of Wichita culture since 1972. 

Part of the festival will take place at Wichita State. The WSU Jazz Invitational includes performances from WSU students and faculty. 

The invitational brings middle and high school students from across Kansas to WSU to participate in educational clinicals led by industry professionals. There will also be student performances and a headline concert. 

As this year’s headliners, the WSU’s Jazz Arts 1 Ensemble and the Mid-Kansas Jazz Ensemble will be performing with Nick Finzer, who is known as “the most dynamic and forward-thinking trombonists of his generation,” according to the Wichita Jazz Festival.

More information and details about the performances can be found on the website. Ticket pricing and location vary.