Tallcorn Jazz Festival

The University of Northern Iowa's Tallcorn Jazz Festival is the longest-running jazz gathering west of the Mississippi. 2026 will mark the festival’s 71st consecutive year in existence, and it is powered by the brothers of the Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

The goal of our festival is to offer an educational and musically rewarding experience for everyone involved. Each participating band will receive written and audio-recorded feedback from our panel of adjudicators, as well as a 30-minute clinic from an outstanding jazz educator.

2026 Tallcorn Jazz Festival Registration will open in early- to mid-October.

The Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concerts will take place at 7:30pm on both nights of the festival -- Thursday in Bengtson Auditorium (Russell Hall), and Friday in the Great Hall at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

During intermission (at approximately 8:15pm), the Tallcorn Jazz Festival Awards Ceremony will be held. The second half of the concert will feature UNI Jazz Band One with the SDIJ Guest Artist. Concerts for this event are ticketed. For tickets, call 319-273-4TIX, or visit https://unitix.uni.edu