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Jazz Port Townsend 2026: Tradition meets the future of jazz

Published 6:00 am Monday, March 23, 2026

by Centrum

Experience the sound, the craft and the community at Jazz Port Townsend in Everett. Photo courtesy Jim Levitt.

Join them at the Fort Worden State Park from July 20-26!

Jazz Port Townsend is a seven-day intensive workshop and festival dedicated to the study, performance and advancement of jazz.

Set within the historic and inspiring environment of Fort Worden State Park, the program brings together approximately 160 instrumentalists and vocalists (ages 14 and up) from across the United States for rigorous musical exploration within a collaborative community.

Under the artistic direction of pianist, composer and educator Dawn Clement, the workshop upholds a commitment to both the lineage and evolution of the art form.

Participants engage directly with a distinguished faculty representing multiple generations of jazz mastery — artists whose careers encompass major recordings, international touring, university appointments and significant contributions to the music’s ongoing development.

Faculty have included such luminaries as Rufus Reid, George Cables, Wycliffe Gordon, Terell Stafford, Allison Miller, Matt Wilson, Ben Wendel, Christine Jensen, Pat Bianchi, Sara Caswell, Shane Endsley, Steve Kovalcheck, and many others.

These artists are not only celebrated performers, but dedicated educators who bring deep pedagogical experience and a commitment to mentorship.

The curriculum is comprehensive and performance centered. Participants are placed in small combos or vocal ensembles for daily coached rehearsals.

Instrument-specific master classes (Tuesday–Friday) provide focused technical and artistic instruction.

Special Topics classes examine advanced subjects in improvisation, composition, ensemble communication and the broader cultural context of jazz.

Evening jam sessions, a Reading Big Band (by application), and participant performances round out the academic experience.

The week culminates in the four-day Jazz Port Townsend Festival, featuring faculty performances in both intimate club settings and Mainstage concerts in McCurdy Pavilion – offering students rare access to observe master artists in performance at the highest level.

Jazz Port Townsend is designed for serious students of the music – high school, collegiate, adult, and professional musicians seeking artistic challenge, community and meaningful engagement with today’s leading voices in jazz.

For more information, visit centrum.org