February 15, 2020
Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA
The inaugural National Jazz Festival took place on February 15th, 2020 in historic Philadelphia. We hosted 1200 high school and middle school jazz musicians from 11 states across the country.
The National Jazz Festival thanks the Waterman II Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation for their generous grant that made the 2020 festival possible. Without their support our event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on February 15, 2020 would not have been possible.
May 22, 2021
Premiered on YouTube
Due to Covid 19 restrictions the 2021 National Jazz Festival was created in a ‘virtual format’ with bands and soloists submitting recordings that were premiered on YouTube. Adjudicators recorded written and verbal feedback. Masterclasses were held online via Zoom throughout the day.
May 21, 2022
Virtual on YouTube
2022 National Jazz Festival continued in a ‘virtual format’ with bands and soloists submitting recordings that were premiered on YouTube. Adjudicators recorded written and verbal feedback. Masterclasses were held online via Zoom throughout the day.
April 22, 2023
In person and Virtual on YouTube
Back in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and we also offered a virtual format for those that could not travel to Philadelphia, PA.
Watch the Award Ceremony and virtual performances on our YouTube channel.
February 10 2024
In person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. We were lucky to have a 70 degree day in February!
March 21 2025 2025 NJF Results
Bands from Puerto Rico and England join the NJF 2025 in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center & Clef Club of Performing Arts! Pre-festival activities started March 12th. Extended clinic options added to festival. NJF welcomes new Managing Director Wilbur Wittemann
April 18 2026 2026 NJF Results
In 2026 expand our in person festival to include more performance and clinic rooms at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. NJF welcomes our Collegiate Division students and professors from Fordham University. Instrumental student ensemble “NJF Diplomats” perform in concert with our new student ensemble the NJF “Vocal Ambassadors”. US Army Jazz Ambassadors perform at awards ceremony and join our elite staff of adjudicators and clinicians. NJF adds two new performance divisions ! Combo & Jazz Masters Divisions.