What’s in store for jazz listeners in 2009? Pittsburgh native Ahmad Jamal is recognized as one of the most creative pianists of the past two generations. Miles Davis, Jack DeJohnette, and Keith Jarrett all cite Ahmad as a major influence on their playing. Manolo Badrena, James Johnson III, and James Cammack will join Mr. Jamal for an unforgettable evening of progressive jazz on Saturday night at the Majestic Theater. Bassist Ed Wise brings New Orleans Jazz Band to the festival for a delightful Sunday afternoon concert of traditional jazz with tunes from the Big Easy. The Buzz Jones Big Band celebrates its 30th year as a fixture of the regional jazz scene with over 300 performances that include concerts at the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals. The BJBB will be joined by the outstanding faculty members of the Mason-Dixon Jazz Camp as guest soloists and central Pennsylvania’s own Cathy Chemi. Bass clarinetist and Gettysburg faculty member Paul Austerlitz will be joined by Afro-Cuban jazz drummer Babatunde Lea for an energetic and eclectic performance on Saturday afternoon. Trombonist Jim McFalls leads the Mason-Dixon Jazz Camp Faculty Septet on Friday night with George Rabbai, Doug Mapp, George Grund, Pete BarenBregge, Brian Betz, and Bob Leidhecker. Education is an important component of the Gettysburg Festival so you will not want to miss the Mason-Dixon Jazz Camp grand finale concert on Sunday evening.

I look forward to greeting all of you as America’s greatest musical contribution to the world takes center stage at “the most famous small town in America.”

– John William “Buzz” Jones, Artistic Director for Jazz

2009 Events

Events to be announced shortly!

All artists, repertoire, performance dates, times, venues
are subject to change.