Bringing music and culture to the Treasure Valley
By Chelsea Chambers
“Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life”
– Art Blakey
Join festival co-founders, Stan Eisele and Sean Stevens on Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, 2022, for the inaugural Eagle Jazz Festival! The festival will feature live musicians, food, drinks, dancing, and more! Performances will be at Heritage Park and supporting local venues in Eagle.
“I wanted to start a nonprofit organization to help young jazz musicians who live in this area and who are dreaming of making a career as a professional musician,” shared Stan, Eagle resident for more than 20 years. “My idea morphed into a community festival where both the musicians performing on stage and the audience can mutually enjoy the experience, because ‘everyone is diggin’ the diggin.’ Since it is organic and homegrown, the students of jazz can participate with the professionals.”
Stan became hooked on jazz years ago while attending jazz concerts and festivals in California. During this time he was able to see many of the great jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie. When he came to Idaho, he was surprised to find a thriving jazz community. “I was blown away by their talent and dedication,” Stan said. “That is when I first became inspired to start a jazz festival that we can call our own.”
Alongside Stan and Sean, other key players in creating the Eagle Jazz Festival are former board member Justin Nielsen (music director) and board member Julie Eisele (event coordinator and treasurer).
While their full set is not yet finalized, they promise to bring a wealth of amazing performers guaranteed to satisfy! “All the musicians will have some connection to Eagle. This is a bonafide community event from the inside out. It is truly amazing that so many world class artists are found in our midst.”
For the latest up-to-date information on the Eagle Jazz Festival, including fundraisers, set lists, and more, visit them online at eaglejazzfestival.org or on Facebook @eaglejazzfest. Or subscribe to their newsletter for info on the festival as well as jazz updates from around the Pacific Northwest.
Event Schedule:
- Friday, September 16th is Jazz Club Night in Eagle, with several local venues hosting live jazz.
- The festival will start with a Gazebo Kickoff Concert at Heritage Park at 6 PM on Friday 9/16.
- Saturday 9/17 is Jazz at Heritage Park during the Eagle Market from 10 AM-2 PM
- The final Main Stage concert at Three Horse Ranch Vineyards in the beautiful Eagle foothills starts at 6 PM.
Cost:
- Free at Heritage Park
- $10 at the door for Club Night
- $35 for the Main Stage Concert
