April Concerts & Public Programs at the Jazzschool

March 25, 2026

Spring is in full swing at the Jazzschool, and April brings an exciting month of concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and free community programs.

The centerpiece of the month is PianoLove, a five-concert festival celebrating the remarkable breadth of jazz piano in the Bay Area. Throughout April, Jazzschool faculty, alumni, students, and distinguished guest artists explore everything from original compositions and beloved standards to adventurous improvisation and tributes to jazz legends Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk.

Alongside PianoLove, the Jazzschool continues its popular free public programs, including Brown Bag Jazz Hangs, The B3 Sessions, Youth Jazz Jam, the return of the Jazz Jam at Jupiter, and the monthly Vocal Open Mic.

PianoLove Festival

Five Saturday concerts showcase some of the Bay Area’s most compelling pianists and ensembles.

• April 4 – Erika Oba Trio + Ruthie Dineen’s RDL+
• April 11 – Glen Pearson’s Testament Quintet
• April 18 – Jazzschool Faculty All-Stars perform Herbie Hancock’s Speak Like a Child
• April 25 – Myra Melford Solo
• April 25 – MonkMarathon PianoLove Finale hosted by Ben Stolorow

Free Programs & Community Events

Brown Bag Jazz Hangs

Wednesdays • 12:30 PM • FREE

Bring your lunch and join us for casual talks and listening sessions with leading Bay Area jazz artists.

• April 1 — Ami Molinelli on Bossa Nova and Beyond
• April 8 — David Boyce on Sun Ra & Synths
• April 15 — Marcus Shelby on Charles Mingus
• April 22 — Nora Free on Geri Allen
• April 29 — Scott Amendola on Jack DeJohnette

The B3 Sessions

Sunday, April 19 • 4:00 PM • FREE

Co-presented with the Jazz Organ Fellowship, this free masterclass series welcomes renowned Hammond B3 organists for demonstrations, discussion, and performance.

Upcoming guests:

• April 19 — David Jackson
• May 17 — Roger Smith
• June 7 — Sylvester Burks

Jazz Jam at Jupiter

Wednesdays beginning April 15 • 7–10 PM • FREE

The popular weekly jam returns after its winter hiatus. Co-hosted by Erik Jekabson and Remee Ashley with a professional house band, all players are welcome.

Youth Jazz Jam

Sunday, April 5 • 4–6 PM • FREE

Young musicians are invited to play alongside their peers in this monthly jam session led by Jazzschool faculty.

Vocal Open Mic

Sunday, April 26 • 4–7 PM

Hosted by Angharad Jones, vocalists perform with a professional rhythm section in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Additional April Concerts

Electric Squeezebox Orchestra

Sunday, April 12 • 5:30 PM

The Bay Area’s acclaimed composers’ big band, led by Erik Jekabson, returns with an evening of adventurous original music.

The Luca & Lucca Orchestra: A Tribute to Henry Mancini

Friday, April 17 • 8:00 PM

Father-and-son collaborators Daniel and Luca Parenti celebrate the timeless music of Henry Mancini with a full 18-piece orchestra performing favorites from The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Peter Gunn, and more.

About the Jazzschool

Founded in Berkeley in 1997, the Jazzschool is a nonprofit community music school offering year-round classes, ensembles, workshops, and performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and experience levels. Through outstanding faculty, live performances, and inclusive educational programs, the Jazzschool continues to be a vibrant hub for jazz education and community in the Bay Area.

Tickets & Information

Tickets for concerts are available at jazzschool.org and at the door. Advance registration is recommended for free programs.

The Jazzschool is located at 2087 Addison Street in Downtown Berkeley. For more information, visit jazzschool.org or call (510) 845-5373.