Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 28th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival kicks off Thursday, May 11, continuing through Saturday, May 13. The annual competition brings together talented young musicians from all walks of life to participate in workshops, jam sessions, and sectionals before competing for top honors in the House of Swing.
The festival will kick off with a crowd of supporters cheering on the 15 finalist bands as they enter Frederick P. Rose Hall on May 11. On Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, finalists will compete for a chance to be named one of this year’s top three bands and have the opportunity to perform alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This event is open to the public, and tickets are on sale. A livestream of all performances can be seen at https://www.jazzlive.com/essentially-ellington-23.