The Carl Sonny Leyland Trio
Southern California
www.carlsonnyleyland.com
One of the most popular groups ever to perform in the Festival, this trio always has audiences cheering with its range of boogie-woogie, blues and barrelhouse. Their repertoire goes from familiar to original to total improvisation (“Let’s just do something in G”) and frequently includes very entertaining lyrics. But how can just three musicians generate so much energy?
Sponsored by
Carl Sonny Leyland - Piano/vocals
Marty Eggers - Bassist
Josh Collazo - Drums
Hal Smith’s Western Swing Band
Searcy, AR
www.halsmithmusic.com
Fresh from Festivals out west; a cloud of dust, a catchy tune and a easterly maria will carry Hal Smith's Western Swing Band into Evergreen on or about July 25th 2026.
Make sure to sponsor them to make sure their coach arrives on time.
Special Sets
Sponsored by
The Queen City Jazz Band with Wende Harston
Denver
www.queencityjazzband.com
This local treasure has been thrilling audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for well over 60 years. Their big New Orleans sound was born in a smoky Lakewood roadhouse in 1958, and the band has grown to become one of the premier groups anywhere. Likewise, Wende Harston is regarded as one of today’s standout jazz vocalists, reminding many of a modern-day Bessie Smith. Their Sunday gospel service is not to be missed. For those that can't wait, check them out at The second Sunday of the month at The Pearl Cafe, 2199 California St, Denver, CO.
Sponsored by
Kevin Bollinger - trumpet
Jeremy Wendelin - clarinet/saxophone
Eric Staffeldt - trombone
Hank Troy - piano
Bill Clark - tuba
Wende Harston - vocals
Rory Thomas - banjo
Tony Pantelis - drums
Special Sets
Double 88's
Brian Holland, Carl Sonny Leyland, Jeff Barnhart
In addition to the great bands appearing this year, the Festival will present several sets of dueling pianos featuring the three mega-talents listed above. Each will play at least once with each of the other two in what will likely be some of the most memorable sets of the entire weekend. Three superb musicians and two grand pianos in the acoustically marvelous Center Stage. This is going to be special!
Sponsored by
Evergreen Jazz Festival Footwarmers
Friday's special set is the annual collection of gamin we affectionately refer to as The Footwarmers.
The completely unrehearsed display of skill and daring of true musicianship
will delight the senses.
Curated by our own Music Director, Ed Danielson, from among the stellar talents performing at this years Festival.
Embodying the ephemeral spirit of jazz it will happen once in this lifetime.
Sponsored by