The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz stands as a premier jazz festival in Northeastern Pennsylvania, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant musical tradition. Recognized as the birthplace of America’s first jazz festival in 1951 by the esteemed jazz critic Leonard Feather and the Library of Congress, this festival has become a cornerstone of jazz appreciation in the region.
The 2026 edition of The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz is set to take place from June 5 to 7 in downtown Wilkes-Barre. This year’s festival will spotlight local restaurants, coffee houses, and bars, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
The 2026 Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz Committee:
Committe Chairs: James Shoemaker & Susan Shoemaker, Committee Members: Bob Borwick, Maria Edmunds, Shelby Gushka, AJ Jump, John Maday, Gina Malsky, Neil Prisco, Michael Slusser, Alan Stout
Bringing "America's Greatest Art Form" to the Diamond City
See world-class artists in the heart of downtown
The Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz has a long tradition of bringing the world’s greatest performers to NEPA.
Events
This is a seated General Admission event in the Chandelier Hall at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and is the headline performance of the 2026 Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade…
The Westmoreland Jazz Quartet featuring Mike Stevens and jazz legend Tony Marino (of Maynard Ferguson’s band!) is hitting the Jazz Walk stage at this year’s Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz! This…
Jesse Lynch is a New York City based pianist, composer and bandleader. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Jesse has been playing for crowds internationally for the last decade. The Jesse…
We’re excited to welcome NEPA jazz guitar legend Tom Kozic to this year’s Jazz Walk at the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz! A true master of tone, feel, and swing, Tom…