Spyro Gyra Returns to Milwaukee for the Fresh Coat Jazz Festival
Music Festival that Gives Back to the Community, Announces 2026 Artists, Dates
Milwaukee – (February 25, 2026) – The Fresh Coast Jazz Festival; Milwaukee’s only multi-day jazz festival featuring the world’s best contemporary jazz artists; has announced it will be returning to the Pabst Theatre in 2026 and will feature eight concerts and two “Night Caps” over a 3-day period from Thursday, August 20 – Saturday, August 22. The “Night Caps” are the festival’s versions of the after-party, are free, and take place each night featuring a live jazz act and surprise appearances from festival artists along with food and bar service. Tickets are on sale now. The festival is fast building a reputation for curating some of the best talent line-ups in the jazz festival industry. The 2026 festival will feature performances by:
- Thirteen-time Grammy-nominated Spyro Gyra helped pioneer smooth jazz fusion and always brings timeless grooves to the stage. They have released more than 30 albums and have wowed crowds around the globe. Spyro Gyra headlines Friday night of the Festival.
- Grammy-nominated South African-born guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Butler is a global smooth-jazz icon whose hits have landed on the jazz, pop, R&B, and Gospel charts. He has approximately 25 albums to his credit, and his shows are passion-filled and electric. Jonathan and his band, The Believers, headline Saturday night at the festival.
- Jarrod Lawson’s dynamic keyboard and vocal talents channel the likes of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. His creative work and live performance reputation highlight him as a distinctive rising star in smooth jazz.
- Pianist and vocalist Kandace Springs’ soulful style is fast becoming a defining force in contemporary jazz. Her emotive vocal style has made her a force to be reckoned with on the jazz scene, appealing to longtime jazz lovers and newer audiences.
- After recording and touring with the likes of Bian Culbertson and Rick Braun for several years, Marqueal Jordan has stepped out on his own and he is one of smooth jazz’s brightest saxophonists and vocalists, bringing bold melody and fresh energy to the genre. He has rightfully earned attention for his strong, smooth jazz radio presence and live energy.
- Eric Essix is a guitar virtuoso who effortlessly blends jazz and blues into smooth jazz grooves that captivate audiences. Although he doesn’t tour in the Midwest often, he is performing at the festival. Recognized for his showmanship and ability to connect jazz guitar with accessible, melodic grooves, Eric is sure to be a huge crowd pleaser.
In addition to bringing the best contemporary jazz to Milwaukee, the festival has had a significant philanthropic impact on the city. Since its inception in 2019, the festival has:
- Provided more than 400 backpacks full of school supplies to Milwaukee area schools.
- Produced three Concerts for The Kids at Children’s Wisconsin featuring some of the world-renowned artists playing the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival and provided more than 300 “gift bags of comfort” to kids and families receiving treatment at Children’s Wisconsin.
- Sent approximately 100 children to music camps.
- Created a “Career Day” program that has provided approximately 50 local students real-world exposure to potential career opportunities at some Fresh Coast Jazz Festival sponsor companies.
- Supported college scholarships for 12 deserving area youth.
- Provided 12 grants to support music programs at area schools.
- The Fresh Coast Jazz Festival continues to partner with several small, diverse and woman-owned vendors to power the festival.
“At the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival, we have always believed that great music can be a catalyst for lasting change in our community,” said Carl Brown, chief executive officer of the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival. “We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish together — from putting hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies in the hands of Milwaukee children, to sending approximately 100 kids to music camps, and through our Concerts for The Kids at Children’s Wisconsin, we have brought the healing power of world-class music to hundreds of families during some of their most difficult moments, along with more than 300 gifts of comfort to kids and families in treatment. None of this happens without our community, our sponsors, and the spirit of Milwaukee. This is so much more than a jazz festival — it is a movement, and we are just getting started.”
The festival also includes Q&A sessions (by invite only) with some of the jazz artists, held the Friday and Saturday mornings of the festival. These Q&A events give area music students, music teachers and VIP patrons an opportunity to get up close and personal and ask questions of some of the world’s top contemporary jazz artists.
About Fresh Coast Jazz Festival
Fast gaining a reputation as one of the top jazz festivals in the country, the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival is Milwaukee’s only multi-day jazz festival featuring the world’s best contemporary jazz artists. The festival draws fans from across the United States and several countries, and blends the world’s top contemporary jazz artists, with uniquely fun events and festival proceeds go to support scholarships, school music programs, and healthcare initiatives.
The 2026 festival brings an unbelievable mix of some of the most popular smooth jazz superstars and the hottest young talent in the genre to the fresh coast. This year’s festival will take place at the historic Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee from August 20 – August 22. For more information, visit: www.freshcoastjazz.com or www.pabsttheatergroup.com.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
