The Wichita Jazz Festival and its support organization, the Bebop Brigade, are celebrating the festival’s 40th year starting Wednesday, April 20, and running through Saturday, April 23, at venues in the community and at Wichita State University.

Schedule of events

• Andrew Bishop Trio with Gerald Cleaver, Tia Fuller Quartet with Sean Jones, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, Doc Howard’s Lounge, 252 N. Mosley St. For more information, go to www.wichitajazzfestival.com.
• WSU Jazz Invitational, 7 a.m.-midnight Thursday, April 21, CAC Theater, WSU campus, free and open to the public.
• Jazz in Art: The Works of Aaron Douglas, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus.
• Reception/artist talk, Lionel Loueke and Gretchen Parlato, 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, Fisch Haus Gallery, 524 S. Commerce. For more information, go to www.wichitajazzfestival.com.
• Lionel Loueke and Gretchen Parlato, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, CAC Theater, WSU campus. Tickets $25, $15 WSU faculty/staff, $10 students. Information, (316) 978-3233.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the festival, and WSU assistant professor Craig Owens’ second year as executive director.

The festival does a lot for the community and students of jazz, he said.

“Jazz is good for you,” said Owens, who credits the music of John Coltrane and many other contemporary jazz artists with helping listeners open up to new knowledge about themselves and the world, and social relationships.

The difference between jazz and other forms of music lies in the tension between the soloist and the band, Owens said.

“The jazz player must develop a unique way of playing, but also be able to function within a structure, often not of their own choosing,” he said. “This is a great life lesson for anyone. And it takes place in a rhythmic context that makes it fun.”

Join the Bebop Brigade

Lovers of jazz can help promote and preserve jazz culture in Wichita through membership in the Bebop Brigade, said Owens.

The Bebop Brigade comprises individuals who have contributed $100 or more to the festival during the year. In return, they receive two tickets (or one ticket per $50 donation) to a festival concert and an invitation to the April 22 reception with Lionel Loueke and Gretchen Parlato.

Brigade members will be listed on the website and in the festival program with special appreciation given to those who have contributed $500 or more. Each member will receive a cool bumper sticker, said Owens, with the Bebop Brigade logo.

“Though we will continue to seek corporate sponsorship and grant-based funding,” said Owens, “we see grassroots support as the key to the longevity of the festival and the success of its enterprises.”

Wichita Jazz Festival Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Donations in support of the Bebop Brigade can be made out to Wichita Jazz Festival Inc. and mailed to:

Wichita Jazz Festival Inc.
P.O. Box 3981
Wichita, KS 67201