Jazz in July 2025 

July 14-25, 2025

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For almost 40 years, spanning all five decades of the program’s existence, Sheila Jordan was the vocal matriarch of Jazz In July. Whether headlining in front of thousands by the campus pond in a Bright Moments concert alongside Billy Taylor, Max Roach and Ted Dunbar, guesting with the student Jazz in July Big Band in Bezanson Recital Hall, or joining the current faculty (at 95!) on what turned out to be her final appearance with us in the summer of 2024 on the Amherst Common, Sheila connected across generations with her unique musical and personal style, all embedded in her love of Jazz. The self-penned “Sheila’s Blues” succinctly and humorously told her life story filled with upsides, while her rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress” was more somber and reflective. And yet she could also school any seasoned improvisor with scat solos that handled even the most difficult chord changes and forms without a trace of showing off. Her mentoring/teaching methods relied more on an aural tradition rather than theory and analysis, but she also made sure students realized the importance of musical communication, lead sheet clarity/correctness, and creating an assured stage presence. There is also no doubt that Sheila knew more songs and their proper lyrics, melodies and chord changes than most anyone in the history of the music, and it was a lesson in and of itself to hear her and Billy Taylor point out the real versions of tunes either in a masterclass or an informal setting! All the better fortune that UMass’ Jazz in July founder Fred Tillis hired her to be part of the Jazz in July faculty team, where her unwavering commitment and allegiance to the program, and total belief in the music remains admired and appreciated by those who got to know and work with her.

Sheila, you are missed.
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UMass Fine Arts Center tribute to Sheila Jordan here.
UMass Music and Dance post on Sheila. 

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About Jazz in July

40 years ago, a group of dedicated jazz artists and jazz educators at the University of Massachusetts developed a program that would connect jazz students with the country’s top jazz artist/educators for an intensive week of study in jazz improvisation. Their dedication to the art of jazz improvisation and jazz culture gave birth to Jazz in July Summer Music Programs-- a concentrated two-week program, allowing participants to study jazz improvisation with some of the nation’s best jazz educators and artists.

As the jazz landscape changes, Jazz in July uses that foundation to evolve with the current innovations being developed. Current and cutting edge jazz artists help to lead Jazz in July into the ever-evolving future of jazz, and ensure our jazz education vision will be current and relevant for many years to come.

  Pictured: From 2012, Dr. Fred Tillis and Jeff Holmes.

Instrumental Faculty/Ensemble Coaches
Steve Johns, drums
Winard Harper, drums
Fumi Tomita, bass
Avery Sharpe, bass
Jeff Holmes, piano, trumpet, artistic director
Earl MacDonald, piano
Luis Perdomo, piano
Bob Ferrier, guitar
Haneef Nelson, trumpet
Steve Davis, trombone
Frank Newton, sax
Bruce Diehl, sax

Vocal Faculty
Dominique Eade, voice
Mitch Chakour, voice
Stephen Page, piano 
Genevieve Rose, bass 
Greg Caputo, drums

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Performances!

Performing is an essential part of jazz! Our live performances offer students the chance to play for the Amherst community. On Wednesdays, Club Jazz in July features vocalists and instrumental combos performing in a relaxed club atmosphere. The weeks close with student combos and vocalists hitting the stage for the Jazz Futures Concerts. The second week concludes with the faculty members performing at the Jazz in July All Star Concert.

Due to an unfavorable weather forecast, the 2025 Jazz In July All Stars Concert has been moved to Bezanson Recital Hall. The venue is located in the Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts at UMass. The entrance is on the east side of the facility, facing North Pleasant Street. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the concert will begin at 5:30. Admission is free.

 

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When you sign up for Jazz in July...

you will be joining an illustrious network of current and former artist faculty and participants. The Jazz in July program involves instrumental/vocal master classes, group clinics, jazz theory and improvisation training, ensemble coaching, jam sessions, style explorations, combined lectures, and public performances by participants and faculty members alike. Regardless of the program you choose, we aim to connect your innovations with high quality educators and consequently inspire you to be a part of the jazz legacy that is Jazz in July. 

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Jazz in July Alumni Panel

 

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Special Thanks to our Sponsors

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