Join us on April 19th at 7pm for the 2026 Johnson City Jazz Festival.

At 7pm enjoy The ETSU Jazz Ensemble is the premier performing group of the Department of Music’s Commercial and Jazz programs. Under the direction of Martin Walters, this highly sought-after big band regularly performs across the region including area schools, special events, concerts, and the Tri-Cities Jazz Festival.

The Commercial Music program at East Tennessee State University is designed for students who wish to perform in popular music styles as well as develop skills to work as professionals in various fields in the music industry. Through the study of jazz theory and improvisation, contemporary music composition, music business, recording and music technology, graduates will be well prepared for a wide variety of opportunities that exist in a rapidly evolving world of music.

At 8pm enjoy The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece big band comprised of musicians from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The band specializes in playing music from the Big Band Era to the present day, including music from such jazz greats: Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and more. With over 300 pieces of music in their library The group also plays music from the bands TOTO, Earth Wind and Fire and Bruno Mars just to name a few.

Under the direction of Mr Eddie Dalton, the group has performed at various venues and events throughout the region including NPR live radio broadcasts, music festivals, theaters/concerts, restaurants and weddings. The group has other configurations as well including the very popular and in demand “TJO Seven”. A smaller version of the big band including Trumpet, Trombone, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Piano, Bass and Drums. This group plays many of the same selections as the big band but also includes the music of Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears.

The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra (in it’s many configurations) is available for hire. Contact Eddie Dalton at (423) 676-7721 / tri-citiesjazzorchestra@comcast.net or any band members for details. You can also visit the group’s Facebook Page.