IOWA LAKES TO HOST JAZZ FESTIVAL WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ARTISTS

Estherville, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Community College will once again bring together jazz enthusiasts, students, and the community for its annual Jazz Festival, offering a mix of educational workshops, professional clinics, and live performances.

The festival opens with a Jazz Festival Convocation in Emmetsburg on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. The celebration continues on the Estherville Campus on Thursday, November 6, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. with a Convocation and High School Clinic for students and educators. The day concludes with a Jazz Concert at 7 p.m. in the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center, free and open to the public.

Featured Artists and Clinicians

This year’s festival will showcase internationally acclaimed percussionist Joey Gulizia, known for his dynamic performances on congas, bongos, African talking drums, and steel drums. A former touring member of Mannheim Steamroller, Gulizia has performed worldwide and is celebrated for blending music and education in his clinics.

Joining him is professional bassist Andy Hall, a faculty member at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Hall’s career includes performances with Marilyn Maye, Chuck Berry, Rosemary Clooney, Doc Severinsen, and the Count Basie Orchestra. Equally passionate about teaching, Hall is a highly respected clinician, adjudicator, and mentor.

The festival will also feature Jeff Jenkins, Omaha-based jazz pianist, composer, and educator. A product of the prestigious University of North Texas jazz program, Jenkins has released seven original CDs in recent years and performed with legends such as Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Clark Terry, and The New York Voices. His career spans international festivals, Broadway tours, and professional studio work. Jenkins is also known for his work as a producer and recording engineer at Mixdown Sound.

Gulizia, Hall, and Jenkins will lead clinics for students during the day and headline the evening concert.

An Educational and Cultural Experience

“Our Jazz Festival provides a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from seasoned performers while also sharing world-class music with our communities,” said Lincoln Larsen, Director of Music & Performing Arts at Iowa Lakes. “Events like this not only strengthen our music program but also inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Event Schedule

• Emmetsburg Convocation – Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, 10 a.m.
• Estherville Festival & High School Clinic – Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Evening Jazz Concert – Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, 7 p.m.
  Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center, Estherville

The public is encouraged to attend the evening concert. For more information, contact the Iowa Lakes Music Department at 712-362-8345.