The festival features performances by Tuba Skinny and the Elon Jazz Ensembles with renowned saxophonist Roderick “Rev” Paulin.
Elon University will be swinging with the sounds of New Orleans this February as the annual Elon Jazz Festival returns with three days of performances, workshops and community.
“The Jazz Festival is always one of the highlights of the year,” said Alex Heitlinger, Elon director of Jazz Studies and festival organizer. “New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz and we are excited to bring these world-class musicians to our campus to share its unique musical traditions.”
The festival opens Thursday, February 19, with a special Lyceum Series performance by Tuba Skinny at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Based in New Orleans, Tuba Skinny has earned an international following for its joyful, deeply informed approach to early jazz and American popular music. Drawing from blues, ragtime, spirituals and swing, the band presents a sound that feels both timeless and alive. Tickets for this concert are $15 or free with an Elon ID and are available at ElonTickets.com.
The festival continues Friday, February 20, as fourteen local and regional middle school and high school jazz bands visit campus for a full day of performances and educational workshops. A highlight of the day will be a public masterclass from 12–1 p.m. led by featured guest artist Roderick “Rev” Paulin, one of New Orleans’ most respected and soulful saxophonists. This class will occur in the McCrary Theatre and is free and open to the public.
The festival culminates on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a 7:30 p.m. concert in McCrary Theatre featuring the Elon Jazz Ensembles performing alongside Roderick Paulin. This final concert is also free and open to the public.
Roderick Paulin brings more than four decades of experience in jazz. A New Orleans native, he began his musical journey in the city’s brass band tradition under the guidance of his father, Ernest “Doc” Paulin. Over the years, he has become a fixture at iconic venues such as Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, the Maple Leaf and Snug Harbor. A versatile performer on saxophone and clarinet, Paulin released his 2024 clarinet debut OLD TO NEW, honoring his brother Rickey Paulin and the pioneers of traditional New Orleans music. In addition to his performing career, he is a dedicated educator, serving on faculty at Southern University and the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, and working with students across the country through masterclasses and workshops.
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.elon.edu/u/cultural-calendar/