26th Annual  |  April 11-16, 2011

American jazz composer and performer Ramsey Lewis will headline the 26th annual

Valparaiso University Jazz Festival, taking place April 11-16 at the Harre Union. Jazz Fest is the Midwest's largest non-competitive jazz event.

In addition to Mr. Lewis, Tia Fuller, Vincent Gardner, the University's Faculty Jazz Trio, University student ensembles, and jazz bands from Northwest Indiana high schools will participate in this year's festival.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio will perform at 8 p.m. April 16 in the Harre Union Ballroom. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $18 for senior citizens and Valpo alumni.

Lewis has been referred to as "the great performer," a title reflecting his performance style and musical selections which display his early gospel playing and classical training along with his love of jazz and other musical forms. A native Chicagoan, Lewis has three Grammy awards and seven gold records to his credit. He received the industry award for the 2006 Stellar Award for Best Gospel Instrumental Album, "With One Voice," and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in January 2007.

Also performing will be the nationally renowned group, The Tia Fuller Quartet, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 13, in the Union Ballroom. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for senior citizens and Valpo alumni.

An artist and teacher, Fuller was selected to be a member of the all-female band touring with R&B star Beyoncé. As part of the "I Am Sasha Fierce and Beyoncé Experience World Tour," Fuller has played throughout the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. She is a featured soloist on the "Beyonce Experience" DVD, "I Am Yours" and also appeared on number of major television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Show, Good Morning America, BET Awards, American Music Awards, the 2010 Grammy Awards and also has performed as the featured soloist with Beyonce for President Obama at the White House. Fuller has recorded three CDs with her quartet.

The University's Jazz Fest is produced in conjunction with the Post-Tribune, with additional support from the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission and VU Friends of Jazz. 

Friends of Jazz

Through the generous support of committed individuals, organizations and businesses, we are able to bring the highest quality jazz performers to Northwest Indiana, as well as preserve America’s only true indigenous musical art form. To find out more about the Friends of Jazz, or to make a donation, click here.

Schedule		Ticket Information To purchase tickets online for Jazz Fest, click here.
		Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Harre Union Welcome Desk using cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. There will be no telephone orders for ticket sales. Tickets ordered online are available for pick up at the Union Welcome Desk only; tickets will not be mailed.