The Music
Two Stages, Over Twenty Artists, Ten late night shows, Five Jazz On Main Venues, A New Orleans Second Line Parade
Once-in-a-lifetime soundtrack provided by acclaimed artists, Grammy Award winners, cutting edge innovators, rare super-groups, and some of the best student bands in the country, there’s no shortage of talent at the Telluride Jazz Festival. Picture yourself here enjoying over 20 bands on the Main Stage, “Society Stage” at Elks Park, historic late night venues and much more!
Our team strives to curate an artist lineup with a consistent, diversified and eclectic mix of jazz, funk, soul and more. Over the course of 47 years, notable performers have included Muddy Waters, Dizzy Gillespie, Mavis Staples, Chick Corea, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, Macy Gray, Bruce Hornsby, Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Scofield, John Medeski, Ozomatli, Karl Denson, Jimmy Herring, Bill Frisell Trio, The Greyboy Allstars, Charlie Hunter, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Doug Lawrence (jazz) and many more.
Jazz On Main
Five Venues, Five Bands, A Great Way to Kick off the Festival
Kick off the Telluride Jazz Festival in style with Jazz On Main on Thursday, August 8 from 4-6 pm in the heart of historic downtown Telluride.
The official Jazz On Main venues will host live jazz bands setting a classy ambiance. All venues are located within walking distance of each other making for a truly vibrant Main Street atmosphere, the perfect way to set the mood for a weekend of world-class music, mountains and great memories. Jazz On Main is free and open to the public.
Patron Experience Opening Concert
A intimate evening of music for Patron Pass-Holders
The Patron Experience features a private opening concert at the historic Sheridan Opera House the night before the festival begins.
Set in the heart of downtown Telluride, the opening concert is part of the new Patron Experience which treats pass-holders to top-of-the-line festival amenities making for a truly elegant and memorable experience. The opening concert joins a fleet of fresh upgrades to the Patron Experience including a one-of-a-kind, on-stage seated viewing area accompanied by a full stage-side hosted bar. For more info or to purchase tickets, click here.
Society Stage Free Artist Performances
Free performances and more on the “Society Stage’ at Elks Park
These intimate and interactive shows with world class musicians and educators aim to further our mission of providing student education through music. All "Society Stage" at Elks Park events are free and open to the public. View the schedule here.
Brought to you by the generous support from the Dalton Family Foundation, Dworbell Inc., the Raynier Institute & Foundation, The Telluride Foundation and Telluride's Commission for Community Assistance, Arts, and Special Events (CCAASE).
Jazz After Dark
One Pass, Three Venues featuring performances in historic Downtown Telluride
On Friday and Saturday nights, after the festival ends in Town Park, we continue the music with “Jazz After Dark” shows located in various venues throughout Telluride. One pass allows entry into three different shows!
Jazz After Dark passes allow access to all venues for the night purchased. Be aware, Jazz After Dark passes do not guarantee entry to the show, all venues are first come, first served and based on the capacity of each venue. As they fill up, we direct you to which Jazz After Dark venues are not full. As the night goes on, crowds at the Jazz After Dark tend to rotate, so even if you can't catch the start of the band you want to see, there's a good chance you can catch the last half of their show. So, if there is one particular band you really want to see, get in line early for the show! After the shows begin, entry is dependent on capacity.
Morning Jam
A great way to start the day with live Jazz Music
Start your Telluride Jazz Festival mornings off with pleasant live jazz music. Morning Jam will offer a jazzy wake up to a full day of music on Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. Attendees can enjoy performance led by Jack Kotz and Bob Hemenger at Telluride Arts HQ.
Any and all musicians are welcome and encouraged to join in on the jam for an improvisational performance to get their day swinging. The jam will be will be first-come-first-play, with a sign up sheet. The music jams will go from 9-10 am on both Saturday and Sunday. The event is free and open to the public, coffee and food are available for purchase.
New Orleans Second Line Parade
Join a brass band, the festival staff and other attendees for a New Orleans tradition, Telluride style
Second Line Parades are a longstanding New Orleans tradition. Brass-bands take to the street, play and march. Onlookers who followed along to enjoy the music were known as the second line.
Join festival artists along with the Festival staff, attendees, and other artists for a Second Line Parade down Main Street all the way to Telluride Town Park on Sunday, August 14.
Everyone is welcome! Colorful floats, costumes, beads and decorations are all welcome as attendees join in on the march through town.
The parade starts at 12 pm from Elks Park.
The Final Waltz
Close down the festival in style at the Sheridan opera House
The Telluride Jazz Festival concludes on Sunday, August 11 with a special performance. Join us for this energetic show in what is sure to be a memorable way to end the Telluride Jazz Festival. Click here to get tickets.