75 Years of Jazz at UNI
We are thrilled to welcome you back to campus on Friday, February 20, 2026 for a celebration of 75 years of jazz at UNI! Events will include:
- Alumni Welcome Reception: Join us in the brand new Marquee Lounge at the Gallagher Bluedorn for a reception and meet and greet with fellow returning alums. Light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available, 4 p.m.
- Alumni Jazz Ensembles: Directed by Bob Washut and Paul Clark, multiple generations will come together to perform a couple of tunes as a part of the 7:30 p.m. concert in the Great Hall of the GBPAC. Want to play?
- Campus Tour: See and hear the latest and greatest about the campus from the CATS (Connecting Alumni to Students)! The tour will depart from the lobby of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) at 2 p.m.
- Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concert: Get tickets for yourself, friends, family, etc. for the evening concert, featuring UNI Jazz Band One, guest artist Matt Wilson, Alumni Jazz Ensembles, and the world premiere of a commissioned work by Bob Washut. 7:30 p.m., GBPAC.
- After Concert Social Hour: Alumni and friends may continue the party at an off-campus venue. Select this item if you're interested and want to receive info as plans are made. Location to be announced! NOTE: Food and drink not included.
If you have any questions, please contact mike.conrad@uni.edu.
About our Guest Artist
Few musicians embody the spontaneous energy of jazz like Matt Wilson. The New York-based drummer combines buoyant zeal, idiosyncratic style, infectious humor, joyous swing and an indomitable spirit of surprise. Together, with his universally recognized personal warmth, these qualities have made Wilson one of the most in-demand players and educators on the modern jazz scene, both beloved and respected by his peers, elders and students. Not bad for a mischievous Midwestern boy from Knoxville, Illinois.