Schedule
Saturday Schedule | September 12, 2026
Event Kickoff: Parade
March to the rhythm! Join us as we kick off the festival with a lively New Orleans style brass parade down Selby Avenue, complete with authentic second line dancers!
Join the Selby Ave JazzFest Flash Mob Band!
Do you play an instrument? Brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion—or anything in between? We want you to help us kick off this year’s Selby Ave JazzFest with a bang!We are assembling a secret, one-of-a-kind JazzFest Flash Mob Band to launch the festival with an unforgettable, surprise pop-up performance. This is your chance to be part of the magic, bring high-energy music directly to the community, and start the day with an electric vibe.
Visit the Flash Mob Band page for details.
Walker|West Faculty Showcase
The Walker|West Faculty X-tet is a dynamic ensemble of distinguished teaching artists from Walker West Music Academy, one of the Twin Cities’ leading institutions for music education and community engagement. Drawing on deep roots in jazz, R&B, gospel, classical, and contemporary styles, the X-tet showcases the breadth and artistry of Walker|West’s faculty through vibrant, genre-spanning performances.
Historic Big Band Showcase
The Minnesota State Band, established in 1898, is the official band of the State of Minnesota and the only remaining state band in the United States. Founded under the direction of Christian Selling, the ensemble quickly gained national recognition, with members recruited by John Philip Sousa and Selling himself going on to work with Oscar Hammerstein I in New York.
Featured Artist Showcase
David Feily is a Twin Cities–based guitarist and composer whose electrifying, groove-driven sound blends jazz, funk, R&B, rock, and global influences into a dynamic live experience. Known for his expressive improvisation and phrasing, Feily moves seamlessly from intricate melodic lines to high-energy, syncopated grooves that connect with audiences across genres.
Featured Artist Showcase
Mississippi is a powerhouse jazz ensemble featuring Pete Whitman, Kavyesh Kaviraj, Jeff Bailey, and Kevin Washington. Individually, they bring decades of performance experience and extensive recording credits on both national and international stages, having worked with renowned artists and organizations including the Minnesota Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Curtis Fuller, The Temptations, and Wynton Marsalis, among many others.
Headliner Performance
Stokley Williams is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist best known as the lead vocalist and drummer of the R&B band Mint Condition. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, he developed a strong musical foundation early on, which shaped his distinctive style.
Official JazzFest Jam Session
The festival doesn’t end when the main stage lights go down. We’re moving the party over to Walker West for the official JazzFest Jam Session, and you’re invited to be part of it.
The Details
- Host: Marvelous Leo
- Date: Saturday, September 12th
- Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Walker West Music Academy | 650 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104.
Why You Need to Be There
This session is the heartbeat of the festival. It’s the place where the boundaries come down and the real magic happens through live, world-class improvisation. Whether you’re a musician looking to sit in or a fan who wants to catch the energy up close, this is where you want to be.
Grab your instrument, bring a friend, and let’s close out the night right. See you there!
Sunday Schedule | September 13, 2026
Don’t Miss This Free & Exclusive Masterclass!
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Selby Ave JazzFest Masterclass will be led by the one and only Stokley. As the voice of Mint Condition and a chart-topping solo artist, Stokley’s influence on R&B, Soul, and Jazz is unmatched.
This is more than just a class; it is a full-circle moment for our community. Stokley’s own musical journey included time as a student right here at Walker|West, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him back to the halls where he once honed his craft. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a world-class percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter in an intimate setting.
Event Details
- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Where: Harmony Hall | Walker|West Music Academy
- Address: 650 Marrshall Ave, Saint Paul MN 55104
- Registration: Sign up here for the free masterclass
What to Expect
- Artist Insight: Stokley shares his journey from the streets of St. Paul to global stages
- Musical Technique: A deep dive into vocal performance and rhythmic precision
- Q&A Session: A chance to ask your questions and gain wisdom from a master of the industry
- Community Connection: Join fellow musicians at the heart of the Selby-Milton corridor
Registration
Space is strictly limited for this exclusive event. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room with a legend.











