Welcome to the 2026 Blue Jay Jazz Festival. Our Foundation’s Board of Directors is excited to share a stellar season of jazz in a wide variety of styles.

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary, I am mindful of the musical traditions and history that created jazz as a uniquely American art form that is celebrated around the world. From the hot rhythms of New Orleans and the swinging streets of Chicago and Kansas City, to the cool, sophisticated sounds of the West Coast, we appreciate the regional influences that shaped jazz as a living symbol of American unity and creativity.

The values inherent in jazz reflect our country’s heritage: risk-taking, collaboration, individuality, and freedom. Those values continue to drive its evolution and relevance for musicians, audiences, and our future generations of music students.

I want to personally acknowledge the enormous contributions and focused leadership of past President Chris Levister and her husband, Director Ernest Levister, MD. They did so much for the growth of the Foundation and its success as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Their immense dedication supported jazz programs in our schools and brought world-class musicians to our mountain community, a mission we continue with pride.

Great thanks to our many Festival Partners, Supporters, and to you, for your two decades of believing in and enjoying this journey.

Hugh A. Bialecki, DMD

President, Blue Jay Jazz Foundation