By Charlie Pingel
There’s nothing like summer in Madison, and there’s no better summer soundtrack than jazz on the Terrace!
From June 6-15, the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory invite you to experience the joy of the 2025 Madison Jazz Fest, including free and ticketed events around the city. The festival’s weekend finale includes FREE performances at the Memorial Union Terrace June 14-15, featuring a lineup of rising stars and acclaimed headliners in one of Madison’s most iconic summer settings.
Saturday, June 14
1 p.m. | High School Jazz All-Stars
- A group of standout student musicians from local high schools kick off the festival with fresh energy and skill.
3 p.m. | Mr. Chair featuring Jon Irabagon
- Madison-based quartet Mr. Chair joins forces with adventurous New York saxophonist Jon Irabagon for an instrumental set that blends jazz improvisation with rock and classical influences.
5 p.m. | Camille Thurman and Darrell Green Quartet
- Camille Thurman, an acclaimed saxophonist and vocalist from New York, brings a modern swing backed by frequent collaborator Darrell Green Quartet.
7 p.m. | HEADLINER: Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few "The World Is On Fire"
9 p.m. | La Combi
Isaiah Collier is an artist who seems to carry the whole history of jazz in his playing. With The Chosen Few, he draws on deep roots in spiritual jazz, but the energy they bring to the stage feels fresh and completely their own. Collier has described his music as a “sonic time machine,” and it’s hard to think of a better way to explain how his sound connects the past, present, and future of the genre. Whether you’re already tuned into the Chicago jazz scene or hearing them for the first time, this set is sure to resonate.
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The night wraps up with Terrace-favorite La Combi at 9 p.m., turning the Terrace into an open-air dance party with their infectious blend of Latin jazz and salsa.
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Sunday, June 15
1 p.m. | Devin Drobka and Bell Dance Songs
- This ensemble, led by Milwaukee drummer and composer Devin Drobka, explores spacious, improvisation-driven jazz.
3 p.m. | Kal Bergendahl Project (KBP)
- Hailing from Kenosha, KBP delivers a high-energy blend of smooth jazz, funk, and soul, featuring original compositions and tight ensemble work.
5 p.m. | Melanie Charles with Ignabu and Paul Wilson Bae
- Melanie Charles, a Brooklyn-based vocalist and flutist, joins Ignabu and Paul Wilson Bae for an experimental blend of jazz, R&B, and Haitian-inspired sounds.
7 p.m. | HEADLINER: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble
There’s a reason Arturo O’Farrill is a mainstay in global jazz conversations. A 10-time Grammy winner, he leads the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble with precision, heart, and a clear love for the music’s history and future. With upbeat melodies from across the Americas, exciting improvisation, and a sound that will keep you on your feet, the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble is set to close out the 2025 Madison Jazz Festival in style.
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Between sets, explore all the dining options the Union has to offer. Stop by the Brat Stand and BBQ Stand at the Terrace for summer favorites hot off the grill, or cool off inside with pizza and drinks from the Lakeview Lounge. And of course, no Terrace visit is complete without a sweet treat from the Daily Scoop. Whether you're grabbing a bite or a drink, you'll find plenty of ways to fuel your festival experience.
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Located on the Terrace, the Madison Jazz Festival table features this year’s official Jazz Fest t-shirt along with other festival merchandise and materials. Stop by to take home something to remember the weekend!
We’re looking forward to an incredible weekend of music by the lake, and we hope you’ll be part of it!
To discover more events happening throughout Madison during Jazz Fest, June 6–15, visit MadisonJazzFestivalWI.org.