Published February 19, 2025

Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable day of music, energy and celebration as Rolling Meadows High School hosts the 40th Anniversary of Jazz in the Meadows on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The Midwest's largest student jazz festival will be bringing together some of the best young musicians and Grammy-winning artists for an event you won't want to miss.

With over 80 student ensembles performing, the festival showcases an incredible array of jazz talent from schools big and small. Audiences can enjoy a wide range of performances, while talented professional musicians provide valuable feedback during short clinics after each set.

Among the standout performances is the highly anticipated Grand Finale Concert, featuring the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra, winners of the 2023 Grammy for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Album. Known for their innovative approach to jazz, their performance will be a highlight of the festival. It’s a rare opportunity to see some of the best jazz musicians in the country on stage, and the community is invited to enjoy the magic.

Throughout the day, attendees can also look forward to jam sessions, where young musicians can mingle, collaborate and learn from each other. Additionally, the Noontime Concert will feature Bonzo Squad, an ensemble known for pushing boundaries and delivering a genre-blurring performance that will have the crowd on its feet.

Tickets for the festival are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $40 for a family package (up to four people). For the Grand Finale Concert, adult tickets are $15, student tickets are $12, and VIP seats are available for $30. The festival runs from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the Grand Finale Concert starting at 5:45 p.m. You can purchase an all-day pass to enjoy student performances or a ticket just for the Grand Finale Concert. The festival will be held at Rolling Meadows High School (2901 Central Rd). Tickets are available online at links.d214.org/JITM.

Come enjoy a day of incredible music and inspiration as we celebrate the next generation of jazz musicians and showcase the best of the genre in our community.