California Jazz Championships Hosts The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Best West Coast High School and College Jazz Bands

Social images, PSAs, background

April 14, 2026

The 4th Annual California Jazz Championships takes place April 24 and 25 at Palladio in Folsom. 89 jazz bands, jazz choirs, and combos will compete on 5 outdoor stages all day long at the Palladio.

Learn more at LivePerformingArtsAcademy.com

This is the flagship event of the not-for-profit Live Performing Arts Academy started by Grammy-nominated high school music director, Curtis Gaesser, and current Folsom HS music director Gaw Vang-Williams.

Additionally, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra headlines with the LPAA Jazz band and Jazz choir at a special ticketed performance on Friday night (April 24).

PSAs

Opt 1 - 30 seconds

On April 24th and 25th, see 80 of the best college and high school jazz bands and choirs compete at the 2026 California Jazz Championships. There will be performances all day on 5 stages throughout the PALLADIO shopping plaza in Folsom. Performances and parking are FREE.

On Friday night, the world-renowned Vanguard Jazz Orchestra headlines on the BIG stage at Palladio! Gates open at 7:00 and tickets are $35. Go to liveperformingartsacademy.com for tickets and information.

Opt 2 - 35 seconds

Spend Friday night, April 24, listening to jazz under the stars at PALLADIO in Folsom!

Direct from New York, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra headlines at the 2026 California Jazz Championships! Tickets are $35. Gates open at 7:00.

Throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, 89 of the best college and high school jazz bands and choirs will perform on 5 stages throughout PALLADIO. It’s free all day and fun for the whole family. Learn more liveperformingartsacademy.com.

Option 3 - 24 seconds

Palladio is pleased to welcome back the California Jazz Championships on April 24 and 25. Five stages of the West Coast’s best high school and college jazz bands perform all day Parking and daytime performances are FREE.

Don’t miss the special Friday night concert with The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are $35. Gates open at 7:00. Learn more at liveperformingartsacademy.com.

Option VJO - 15 seconds

Direct from New York, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra performs at PALLADIO on April 24! Join us for a night of jazz on the BIG outdoor stage, starting at 7 PM with the LPAA Jazz Band and Jazz Choir. Buy tickets at liveperformingartsacademy.com.