2026 Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival

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Mercer Chamber Foundation logo

October 1-4, 2026
Harrodsburg, KY

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"Kentucky Starts Here!"

Our 2026 dates are October 1-4, with Jazz on the Lawn at Beaumont Inn on Thursday, a Friday night “Mardi Gras” kickoff on Main, and two full days of live jazz, artisans, food, fun, and more on Saturday and Sunday at historic Old Fort Harrod. The Jazz Festival and the Kentucky Artisan Expo will also join us at the Fort on Saturday.  Don’t forget to check out our “Bonus Concert” at Shaker Village on Sunday September 27, 2026.

Please save OCTOBER 1-4 dates for the 2026 Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival and watch here for updates on festival events and musical groups! For more information, to volunteer, or to participate, please contact the Festival at 859-734-2365 / 859-265-0583 or by email at info@mercerchamber.com

2026 Line Up!

Sept 27, 2026 - Jazz on the Lawn
Behind Trustee's Table at Shaker Village

Oct 1, 2026 - Jazz on the Lawn
at Beaumont Inn

Oct 2, 2026 - KH Jazz Fest Kickoff
A Taste of New Orleans on Main St.

Oct 3-4, 2026 at
Old Fort Harrod State Park!

Sunday, September 27, 2026
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Sunday Sept. 27th

4:00PM to 6:00PM

Blue Groove Jazz

Join us at historic Shaker Village on Sunday afternoon, September 27, as we kick off a busy week of live jazz with “Jazz on the Lawn” at the Trustee’s Table restaurant with Blue Groove Jazz and friends. Check out their website for overnight lodging at Shaker Village and dining reservations and plan your overnight stay in historic Harrodsburg for a full week of great live jazz at the 2026 KH Jazz Festival!  www.shakervillageky.org

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Beaumont Inn

Thursday  Oct. 1st

 5:00PM to 7:00PM

Five Jazz Quintet

Join us at the historic Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg as we have “Jazz on the Lawn” with Five Jazz.  In the inaugural year of the Jazz Festival in 2014, Five Jazz was the FIRST host band organizing the festival. Twelve years later, we are pleased to have a reunion of Five Jazz performing on the lawn at Beaumont Inn.  Food and drink options will be available from Beaumont Inn.  So bring your personal seating and join us.  The members of Five Jazz are Jack Covell (guitar and flute), Sam Carr (saxophone), Eben Henson (drums), Pete McCaffrey (bass) and Mark Gardner (keyboards).   Check out their website for overnight lodging and plan your visit to Harrodsburg for a week of great jazz, food, family fun and more.
www.beaumontinn.com

KH Jazz Fest Kickoff
A Taste of New Orleans on Main
New Orleans Inspired Food and Music!

Friday Oct. 2nd

6:00PM to 7:00PM

NOLA Jazz Jam 

We will kick-off Friday evening with a fee spirited open jam session with jazz musicians sitting in with Blue Groove Jazz  from 6 to 7 pm at Old Town Park on Main in downtown Harrodsburg. We will have all the backline set up.  If you are a horn player, guitarist, or bassist, just bring your personal instrument and join in the fun. 

Friday Oct. 2nd

 7:00PM to 8:00PM

Circle City Sidewalk Stompers

The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band has been performing fast-moving, choreographed routines to upbeat music since 1976. The musicians, including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, bass and snare drums, and sousaphone are dressed in colorful clown costumes and entertain the crowd with comic interaction and fancy footwork.  The 15-minute choreographed show, followed by musical strolling through the crowd, includes familiar tunes like Zoot Suit Riot, It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing, Pick up the Pieces, Gimme’ Some Lovin’, Birdland, Jump Jive an’ Wail, Your Mama Don’t Dance, and many more of your popular favorites.  Based in Indianapolis, IN, the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers routinely entertain crowds at Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football games and State Fairs across the nation. The band has also performed at Carnival in Nice, France, the European version of Mardi Gras and the Shanghai International Music Festival.
The popular Circle City Sidewalk Stompers believe that today’s audiences are eager for the positive family entertainment the group provides.  You won’t want to miss this fun and crowd interactive kickoff of the Jazz Fest with The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers on Main! You can also catch the “Stompers” at Old Fort Harrod on Saturday performing at the Festival at 6 pm.

Friday Oct. 2nd

8:00PM to 10:00PM

Paladin

Paladin was formed by the gifted New Orleans trumpeter James Millard Poole III in 2013 to perform “Organa” or free-spirited improvised jazz.  The stellar rhythm section of Paladin consists of equally gifted musicians including drummer Brehnan Miller,  a Harrodsburg native currently residing in Louisville, bassist Mason Daugherty and keyboardist Mark Gardner also residing in Mercer County. Paladin has played to enthusiastic audiences across Kentucky, including the Lexington Jazz Arts Foundation “Jazz on The Porch” and “Jazz at the Library” series at Talon Winery.  Joining Paladin will be trombonist Michael Weber.  You will be sure to experience a “Taste of New Orleans” on Main with the free flowing “Organa” NOLA sounds of Paladin as we kickoff the 2026 KH Jazz Festival!

Saturday Oct 3rd

11:00AM to 12:30PM

Blue Groove Jazz Quartet

Blue Groove Jazz Quartet is a classic jazz ensemble with members from Harrodsburg and Danville, Ky.  The band is comprised of seasoned musicians, collectively having very diverse and extensive musical experiences, all with a common love of jazz.  The musical genres of BGJ are equally diverse, ranging from swing, bebop, and Latin, covering artists ranging from Miles Davis to Steely Dan.  BGJ has already garnered a loyal following in central Kentucky and has performed at gala events for the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College in Danville, Ky, at multiple Gold Start Family events in Kentucky and Ohio, and at Talon Winery’s annual Jazz on the Porch Series in Lexington, Ky. The members of BGJ are Sam Carr (Saxophone), Eben Henson (drums), Pete McCaffrey (bass) and Mark Gardner (keyboards).  Joining BGJ at the KHJF will be Reg Richwine on trumpet and David Maynard on saxophone.

Saturday Oct. 3rd

12:45PM to 2:00PM

Walnut Street Ramblers

www.walnutstreetramblers.com

The Walnut Street Ramblers started in the early 2000’s as a four-piece group that performed at various locations up and down Danville, Kentucky’s Walnut Street, hence their name.  They featured ragtime-era music, including Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, W.C. Handy, and Jelly Roll Morton.  Since then, the Ramblers have grown in size to their present seven-piece membership and along with ragtime favorites, they feature New Orleans and 1920s Chicago jazz, swing-era music, and traditional-jazz-flavored adaptations of contemporary tunes. Ramblers’ members have appeared with such noted artists as Rosemary Clooney, Doc Severinsen, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynonna Judd, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Lou Rawls, the Temptations, Bob Hope, Johnny Mathis, and Max Morath.  Though all members of the band are accomplished performers in the concert and jazz areas, they have a special love for early jazz music, especially featuring tunes from New Orleans and the 1920s. The Walnut Street Ramblers will provide an atmosphere of fun, Americana, and musical enjoyment. 

Saturday Oct. 3rd

2:15PM to 4:00PM

 Jamey Aebersold Quartet

The KHJF is honored to once again welcome back renowned jazz educator and saxophonist Jamey Aebersold and his quartet.  Jamey is joined in his quartet with Doug Elmore on upright bass, Jonathan Higgins on drums, and Wade Honey on piano. Jamey is the recipient of the 2014 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the appreciation, knowledge, and advancement of jazz. For over 60 years, Jamey has been the leader in Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Education. Jamey’s renown weeklong Summer Jazz Workshops have been held in 7 countries. His jazz quartet has performed dozens of programs which encourage students to play music and make healthy lifestyle choices.  Jamey’s company, www.Jazzbooks.com has produced 133 book/audio jazz Play-A-Longs. Jazzbooks.com also sells thousands of jazz related items to encourage musicians of all ages to explore playing jazz. Jamey is a driving force in jazz and continues to kindle the fires of musical imagination in those with whom he comes in contact.

Saturday Oct. 3rd

4:15PM to 6:00PM

 The John Richrdson Quintet

The John Richardson Quintet is composed of some of central Kentucky’s finest musicians and jazz educators, all with a strong passion for great jazz.  Lead by saxophonist John Richardson, the band also includes trumpeter Rick Cook, keyboardist Raleigh Dailey, bassist Matt Meighan, and drummer Robert Griffin.  This stellar lineup will perform a diverse mix of jazz genres, all while preserving and paying tribute to the music of significant jazz musicians from the 1950’s and forward. We welcome The John Richardson Quintet to the 2026 KH Jazz Festival!

Saturday Oct. 3rd

6:00PM to 7:00PM

Circle City Sidewalk Stompers

 

The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band has been performing fast-moving, choreographed routines to upbeat music since 1976. The musicians, including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, bass and snare drums, and sousaphone are dressed in colorful clown costumes and entertain the crowd with comic interaction and fancy footwork.  The 15-minute choreographed show, followed by musical strolling through the crowd, includes familiar tunes like Zoot Suit Riot, It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing, Pick up the Pieces, Gimme’ Some Lovin’, Birdland, Jump Jive an’ Wail, Your Mama Don’t Dance, and many more of your popular favorites.  Based in Indianapolis, IN, the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers routinely entertain crowds at Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football games and State Fairs across the nation. The band has also performed at Carnival in Nice, France,  the European version of Mardi Gras and the Shanghai International Music Festival.
The popular Circle City Sidewalk Stompers believe that today’s audiences are eager for the positive family entertainment the group provides.  You won’t want to miss this fun and crowd interactive kickoff of the Jazz Fest with The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers!

Saturday Oct. 3rd

7:00PM to 9:00PM

The Alan Robinson Trio

We are excited to welcome back to the 2026 KHJF “The Alan Robinson Trio”! The group will bring a unique and exciting high energy flavor to the 2026 KHJF, featuring some of the regions finest collegiate music educators and musicians.  The trio includes guitarist Dr. Alan Robinson from Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond,  Kentucky, bassist Dr. Saulo Moura from Campbellsville University, and percussionist Dr. Chad Floyd also from Campbellsville University’s music faculty.
Alan Robinson is the Director of the Jazz Ensemble and teaches jazz improvisation and jazz history at Eastern Kentucky University. Additionally, he teaches private applied guitar at the University of Pikeville. and is an active performer and composer. He received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky, and he holds a Master of Music degree from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of Music. Alan has also authored two books designed to help guitarists expand their musical horizons: The Harmonic Expansion Process: The Rock Guitarist’s Guide to Playing Jazz (2023) and Mastering Chord Forms: The Guitarist’s Guide to Harmonic Expression. Alan has performed and shared the stage with acts such as The Platters, John Rich, Stryper, The Winery Dogs, and Frank Gambale.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saulo Moura was part of the cello section of the National Symphony Orchestra, in Brazil. Moving to America, in 2001, he studied cello performance at Florida International University, jazz bass at the University of Louisville, and concluded his education with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition degree at the University of Kentucky. Moura has been an active performer on stages in Brazil, Argentina, England, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
Chad Floyd has performed throughout the United States, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Japan, South Korea, and Trinidad. Chad’s original compositions and arrangements for percussion are published by Bachovich Publications, C-Alan Publications, Innovative Percussion Inc., Row-Loff Productions, and Tapspace Publications. Chad is proud to be an artist endorser/clinician for Grover Pro Percussion Inc., Humes and Berg Co., Innovative Percussion Inc., Pearl Drums and Adams Musical Instruments, and Remo Inc.

Sunday Oct. 4th

11:00AM-12:00PM

David Hall

David Hall is a central Kentucky musician and music educator. David plays saxophones, clarinet, flute, flugelhorn, trumpet, EWI, steel pan drum, harmonica and keyboards.  He has performed with many national and regional artists, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Bob Hope, The Drifters, Carol Channing, The Sensations, Mag 7, The Men of Note, Percy Sledge, Lexington Philharmonic, Vince DiMartino, Dixieland South, Don Krekel Orchestra, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus Band, Ice Capades Band and many others.  David has opened He has played for President Bill Clinton, numerous governors and senators, Lee Greenwood, The Pointer Sisters, George & Amal Clooney, Michael Bolton, Neil Sedaka and many others.  David plays regularly at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano in Lexington and has done so for 29 years.  Joining David at the 2026 KHJF will be many of his jazz students sharing their gifts for jazz!

Sunday Big Band Blast

Sunday, October 12th 

Noon to 6:00 PM

Sunday Oct. 4th

12:00PM-1:00PM

Somerset Big Band

Distinguished by a harmonious fusion of talent from the local musical landscape, The Somerset Big Band stands as a testament to musical brilliance. This ensemble, comprised of exceptionally skilled musicians, transforms notes into an exquisite tapestry of sound that captivates audiences of all ages. Renowned for their rich and dynamic compositions, The Somerset Big Band introduces a fresh musical style that transcends conventional boundaries, creating an immersive experience for the entire family. Their performances are not merely concerts, but captivating journeys through a melodic landscape, leaving an indelible mark on every listener.  We are pleased to welcome back The Somerset Big Band to the 2026 KHJF!
 

Sunday Oct. 4th

1:15PM-2:00PM

Transylvania University Jazz Band

The Transylvania University Jazz Band is a collegiate ensemble based at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Under the direction of Matt Polashek, the ensemble performs at campus concerts and regional events including regularly at the Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival. The group thrives off unique instrumentation, showcasing the talents of students, and with a creative spirit of improvisation. Keeping an open mind on instrumentation, all while going with the flow have been part of the ensemble’s DNA since its beginning a few years ago when director Matthew Polashek arrived and reimagined what was then called the Jazz Band. You will surely enjoy hearing the unique sounds of the Transylvania University Jazz Band.

Sunday Oct. 4th

2:15PM-3:30PM

The MetroGnomes Big Band

The MetroGnomes are a 19-piece big band based out of Lexington who perform in Central Kentucky and surrounding areas.  Since their formation in 2004 the band has played 12-15 concerts per year to rave reviews.  Specializing in variety, the MetroGnomes play many different styles such as jazz, Latin, rock, and swing with a goal to always entertain with musical excellence.  The band was nominated for a Lexington Music Award in 2024 and consists of members from all musical backgrounds and careers. The band is directed by composer, arranger, clinician and former Stan Kenton bass trombonist, Doug Oatley.  See more about the individual members here.

Sunday Oct. 4th

3:45PM-4:30PM

University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble 

A very active group on the road, the award-winning University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Miles Osland has toured the Mid-West and South, including invitational performances at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. The UKJE has twice been awarded the Outstanding Jazz Ensemble certificate at Annual Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival and multiple times at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival. Dozens of students have also been awarded the Outstanding Performer certificate at the festival. The Jazz Ensemble has also received the prestigious DeeBee award in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Studio Orchestra from DOWNBEAT magazine.
“…the UKJE characterizes the best of today’s college band output.” -DOWNBEAT

Sunday Oct. 4th

4:45PM- 6:00PM

Derby City Jazz Orchestra

The Derby City Jazz Orchestra is Louisville’s premier big band performing vintage jazz and swing.  Formed in 2026, the band performs regularly at Whiskey Thief Louisville to rave review.  With twenty-one musicians, under the direction of Isaac Stephens, the Derby City Jazz Orchestra showcases some of the finest jazz musicians from Louisville and beyond. We are excited to welcome the Derby City Jazz Orchestra to close out and headline the 2026 KHJF “Big Band Sunday”.

The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival is supported by our generous sponsors and donors.  Every donation helps us to continue the festival as a FREE event.  The Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival is a nonprofit 501c3 organized under the Mercer Chamber Foundation, Inc.  Should you like to become a sponsor or make a donation please contact us.  Donations are tax-deductible.

DONATE HERE!

Your Donation Will Make A Difference!

The Ky Heritage Jazz Festival is a non-profit organized under the Mercer Chamber Foundation, Inc. 501(c)(3). Your generous tax-exempt donation will help us to organize and keep the Festival free to attend!

How To Donate Online With PayPal:

  1. Click “Donate” to navigate to our Pay Pal site
  2. Enter a dollar amount you wish to donate
  3. Click optional ”add USD to cover the fees” if you wish to also cover Pay Pal processing fees
  4. Select how to pay: 
  • Donate with Pay Pal – enter email or mobile number to access your account
  • Donate with Debit or Credit Card on PayPal –  enter card info, billing address, and contact info
  • Donation Designation: 
  • Please make sure to specify in the Note section “Jazz Fest Donation” (if not specified as “Jazz Fest” in the note section, your donation will be credited to the MC Foundation at large).
  • You will receive email confirmation of your donation from Pay Pal as a receipt

How To Donate by check:

  1. Make check payable to Mercer Chamber Foundation, Inc.
  2. Note on memo line “Jazz Fest Donation”
  3. Mail or bring check to:

                        Mercer Chamber Foundation

101 South Main Steet 

Harrodsburg, KY 40330

You can also pay using VENMO donating to the Mercer Chamber Foundation, Inc, charity by designating the KY Heritage Jazz Festival.

 

Thanks you for making a difference !

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