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Cal Poly Fall Jazz Concert: Sounds of Rhythm
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Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Titled “Sounds of Rhythm,” the concert will feature performances by Cal Poly’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble, University Jazz Band and four Jazz Combos.
The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform “Look for the Silver Lining” by Jerome Kern, “Sugar” by Stanley Turrentine, and Kirby Shaw’s arrangement of Erroll Garner’s “Misty.”
The Jazz Combos will perform a mix of standards and original student arrangements, plus Latin works including Alberto Domínguez’ “Frenesí,” and an arrangement by Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santamaría of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.” The University Jazz Band will play Frank Foster’s “Shiny Stockings” — one of the iconic pieces from the Count Basie Orchestra’s body of works — plus selections by Rob McConnell, Melba Liston and Tom Kubis.
Jamaal Baptiste directs the University Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Dylan Johnson directs the Jazz Combos.
Cal Poly Jazz Combos Showcase
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Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center Pavilion
Cal Poly's jazz combos will perform classic jazz repertoire as well as original student compositions. Dylan Johnson, director.
Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert: Sounds of Groove
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Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Titled “Sounds of Groove,” the concert will feature performances by Cal Poly’s University Jazz Band and four Jazz Combos.
Highlights of the jazz band’s set will include Dave Samuels’ Latin fusion composition “Rendezvous,” Jacob Mann’s funk-driven piece "Kogi," and Toshiko Akiyoshi’s blues shuffle, “Tuning Up.”
Included in the combos’ performances will be an arrangement of Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” by Dan Reagan, Steve Turre and Andy Gonzalez; “Peace” by Horace Silver; and “Llorarás” by Oscar D’León.
Jamaal Baptiste directs the University Jazz Band, and Dylan Johnson directs the Jazz Combos.
Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members)
Cal Poly Jazz Combos Showcase
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Thursday, March 5, 2026
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center Pavilion
Cal Poly's four jazz combos will perform: the Contemporary Combo, Composer/Arranger Combo, Latin Combo and Jazz Standards Combo. The small ensembles, of about eight students each, explore a wide spectrum of jazz performance, from modern and traditional styles to original compositions and arrangements, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian–influenced repertory, and classic standards.
The focus of the groups is strong ensemble interaction, stylistic authenticity, creative expression, and the development of each musician’s individual voice within the jazz tradition. The students represent majors from all across campus.
Dylan Johnson directs the jazz combos.
Tickets ($22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members)
Cal Poly Jazz Combos Showcase
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Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center Pavilion
Cal Poly's four jazz combos will perform: the Contemporary Combo, Composer/Arranger Combo, Latin Combo and Jazz Standards Combo. The small ensembles, of about eight students each, explore a wide spectrum of jazz performance, from modern and traditional styles to original compositions and arrangements, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian–influenced repertory, and classic standards.
The focus of the groups is strong ensemble interaction, stylistic authenticity, creative expression, and the development of each musician’s individual voice within the jazz tradition. The students represent majors from all across campus.
Dylan Johnson directs the jazz combos.
Tickets ($22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members)
Cal Poly Spring Jazz Concert: Sounds of Harmony
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Friday, June 5, 2025
7:30 p.m., Spanos Theatre
The concert will feature performances by Cal Poly’s University Jazz Band and four Jazz Combos!
Highlights of the jazz band’s set include Don Menza’s blazing fast trumpet feature “Dizzyland,” Ryan Haines’ ballad “There’s a Letter from Home,” and Marshall Gilkes’ “4711 Special,” a contemporary chart that will feature extended solos by saxophonist Will Last, and trombonist Sam Stabinsky.
“Music is my escape from engineering when I need it,” said Last, a computer science major from San Diego who is graduating in June. “4711 Special” feels like a way to pay homage to my time at Cal Poly. It’s wonderful that I’ve been able to express myself through the music program. I’m happy to say that the musician friends I’ve made are a primary reason I'm staying in San Luis Obispo another year, to keep making music.”
“Being part of the jazz program gives me a chance to step away from the intensity of my degree requirements and fully immerse myself in something creative,” said Stabinsky, a third-year biochemistry major from San Carlos. “It’s an environment that demands your full attention in the best way, and getting to collaborate with such talented musicians and supportive professors makes it incredibly rewarding.”
The jazz combos will feature an original composition by one of its members: “Inevitable” by Oscar Cervarich, an interdisciplinary studies major from San Francisco who plays piano in the Composers Combo. The combos will also play Ray Barretto’s “Indestructible,” Duke Pearson’s “Jeannine” and more.
Aaron Kline is the interim director of the University Jazz Band, and Dylan Johnson is the director of the Jazz Combos.
Tickets ($22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members)