June Concerts & Public Programs at the Jazzschool

June 1, 2026

June at the Jazzschool celebrates community, student achievement, and the many ways music brings people together.

This month features Pride Month concerts and a free film screening, performances by award-winning students from the Young Musicians Program, free Brown Bag Jazz Hangs presented in partnership with The Freight, the return of Jazz Jams at Jupiter, and the debut of the new After-Hours Tea Lounge.

We’re also proud to celebrate Berkeley High School freshman Jesse Ashlock, recipient of the 21st Annual Dick Conte Jazz Piano Scholarship, and to congratulate two Jazzschool student ensembles recognized in the 2026 DownBeat Student Music Awards.

Celebrate Pride Month with Jazz

Throughout June, the Jazzschool honors Pride Month with concerts and a film that celebrate LGBTQ+ artists, stories, and creative voices.

Jazz PRIDE! Eli Maliwan’s Saxreligious Quintet

Saturday, June 20 • 8:00 PM

Composer and saxophonist Eli Maliwan presents music from Elysia Marginata, blending jazz improvisation, electronic textures, cinematic composition, and deeply personal storytelling.

Jazz PRIDE! The Strayhorn Sessions

Saturday, June 27 • 8:00 PM

Oakland’s FAGJAZZ Collective honors the music and legacy of Billy Strayhorn through fresh arrangements, original compositions, and an evening celebrating one of jazz’s most influential queer artists.

Jazz Movie Night

Thursday, June 18 • 7:00 PM • FREE

Join us for a free screening of No Ordinary Man (2020), the acclaimed documentary exploring the life and legacy of jazz musician and transgender pioneer Billy Tipton. Popcorn included!

Spotlight on the Young Musicians Program

June shines a spotlight on the next generation of jazz artists with concerts featuring outstanding Jazzschool students performing alongside accomplished faculty and guest artists.

Josh Jones Latin Quintet

Saturday, June 6 • 8:00 PM

Bay Area drummer Josh Jones leads an evening of Afro-Cuban jazz, with an opening performance by the Jazzschool High School Combo led by Max Brody.

Peter Horvath Group + Advanced High School Jazz Workshop

Thursday, June 11 • 7:00 PM
Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio, San Francisco

One of the Jazzschool’s award-winning high school ensembles performs before a set by longtime faculty member Peter Horvath.

21st Annual Dick Conte Jazz Piano Benefit Scholarship Concert

Saturday, June 13 • 8:00 PM

Legendary Bay Area pianist Dick Conte celebrates his birthday with the annual scholarship benefit concert honoring this year’s recipient, Jesse Ashlock, a freshman at Berkeley High School.

Celebrating Student Achievement

Congratulations to our talented Young Musicians Program students!

The 2026 DownBeat Student Music Awards recognized:

• Max Roston-Saul — Best Original Composition for Large Ensemble
• Advanced High School Jazz Workshop I, directed by Peter Horvath — Best Small Jazz Combo

These national honors celebrate the exceptional musicianship and creativity of Jazzschool students and faculty.

Free Programs & Community Events

Brown Bag Jazz Hangs

Wednesdays • 12:30 PM • FREE

Presented in partnership with The Freight, these lunchtime talks and listening sessions feature leading Bay Area musicians sharing the stories, recordings, and artists that inspire them.

• June 3 — Pedro Pastrana on Puerto Rican Jazz
• June 10 — Grace Basom on Practicing Free Improvisation
• June 17 — PC Muñoz on Free Jazz Drum Heroes (at The Freight)
• June 24 — Julius Zimmerman on Moroccan Gnawa & The Blues (at The Freight)

The B3 Sessions

Sunday, June 7 • 4:00 PM • FREE

The Jazz Organ Fellowship series concludes with acclaimed Oakland organist Sylvester Burks.

Jazz Jams at Jupiter

Wednesdays • 7–10 PM • FREE

Bring your instrument and join Erik Jekabson, Remee Ashley, and a professional house band for one of the Bay Area’s most welcoming weekly jam sessions.

Life Skills for Independent Musicians

Mondays in June • 6:30–8:00 PM • FREE

Executive Director Lisa Mezzacappa leads a practical workshop series designed to help independent musicians navigate the business side of music.

NEW! After-Hours Tea Lounge

Fridays in June • 9:30–11:00 PM • FREE

After a concert, play, or evening downtown, stop by the Jazzschool for tea, sweets, and jazz on vinyl. Jazzschool faculty and staff spin favorite recordings while friends and neighbors gather to unwind and connect.

Make Music Berkeley

Sunday, June 21 • FREE

The Jazzschool is proud to be a participating venue in Berkeley’s annual citywide celebration of music.

Vocal Open Mic

Sunday, June 28 • 4–7 PM

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

Additional June Concerts

Electric Squeezebox Orchestra

Sunday, June 14 • 5:30 PM

Erik Jekabson leads the Bay Area’s acclaimed composers’ big band, featuring resident poet Avotcja.

Middle School Jazz Camp Performances

Fridays, June 19 & 26 • 6:00 PM • FREE

Celebrate the accomplishments of Jazzschool’s youngest musicians during these free end-of-camp performances.

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 exceptional 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. Street parking and the Center Street Parking Garage are both nearby, and the facility is fully ADA accessible.

For more information, visit jazzschool.org or call (510) 845-5373.