Rolling Meadows High School’s 40th Jazz In The Meadows festival is this Saturday, March 1, 2025. If you are interested in seeing one of the many jazz performances, buy tickets now here (links.d214.org/JITM). The event is from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, with the grand finale beginning at 5:30 pm (separate tickets required). The grand finale features the 2023 Grammy-winning Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.

What is jazz? Jazz is a genre of music that has roots in blues, European harmonic structure, and African rhythms. Jazz is often attributed to swing rhythm, however bossa nova, blues, Latin jazz, and other types of rhythms make common appearances. Improvisation, a music composition technique where music is created in the moment, is a big part of jazz, and is something you’d see all across Jazz In The Meadows.

Although you can see jazz almost everywhere, it’s hard to find other places with 80 different jazz ensembles in one place on the same day. Immerse yourself in a day full of talented young musicians from the surrounding communities. Furthermore, at noon, a band that is known for pushing that bar named Bonzo Squad will be performing.

Jam sessions are another awesome opportunity that Jazz In The Meadows provides. Stud

ents can join other sessions and jump right in! This is a great chance to expand on jazz playing and improvisation skills. Each session will be led by a clinician, to help students improve and get feedback.

Masterclasses, led by the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra, are brand new this year to the festival. All students and directors will be able to attend, and some of the leading jazz musicians will  be directing future musicians.