Jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike in Southern Maryland will have the chance to enjoy live rhythm and brass performances at the 21st annual JazzFest hosted by the College of Southern Maryland. The two-day event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 2026, with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening at the Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts on the La Plata Campus.
“Music has a powerful way of connecting people,” said CSM Music Professor Dr. Stephen Johnson. “JazzFest offers the community a unique opportunity to listen, move, and enjoy some great jazz together.”
On Friday, April 24, the Randy Runyon Project, a jazz combo featuring CSM staff and community musicians, will perform funk, fusion and jazz classics. Guest artist Greg Boyer, known for his trombone work with George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, will join the ensemble on stage.
Boyer has an extensive performance history that includes collaborations with Prince’s NPG, Chuck Brown, Bootsy Collins, Eric Benét, Hank Williams Jr., Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Alex Bugnon, David Sanborn, Fantasia and others. He has also appeared on television programs such as “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” the Soul Train Awards and “BET on Jazz.”
Saturday’s program, April 25, will feature the Charles All-County Jazz Band, made up of selected students from Charles County high school jazz ensembles, alongside CSM’s Solid Brass ensemble. Solid Brass consists of CSM students, community members, and active and retired military band members. Boyer will return as guest artist for the Saturday concert. Both the Randy Runyon Project and Solid Brass are directed by CSM staff member Randy Runyon.
Beyond the evening concerts, JazzFest provides educational opportunities for area high school musicians. Boyer will lead workshops offering feedback, inspiration and professional insight into jazz performance. The workshops are open to the public, allowing community members to observe the teaching process.
“We have a lot of musical talent in Southern Maryland, and it’s important that we offer opportunities to foster their education and keep their love of music growing,” said Dr. Richard Bilsker, Arts and Humanities Department Chair. “Not only do these students get a chance to learn from one of the greats, but the workshops are also open to the public, allowing the community to see their teaching in action.”
Tickets for each concert are $5 and available for all ages. They can be purchased through the CSM box office or online via the event pages on the college website.
The La Plata Campus is located at 8730 Mitchell Road in La Plata. The Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts houses the Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater, which serves as the venue for the performances.
This year’s JazzFest continues a long-standing tradition at CSM of bringing professional musicians together with local talent and students. The event has grown over two decades to become a highlight of the spring cultural calendar in Charles County and the broader Southern Maryland region.
Southern Maryland residents interested in attending can find complete performance details, ticket links and campus maps on the official CSM JazzFest pages. The college encourages early ticket purchase as seating is limited in the theater setting.
JazzFest aligns with CSM’s mission to support arts education and community engagement through accessible programming. The combination of student ensembles, community groups and a nationally recognized guest artist creates a dynamic atmosphere that appeals to longtime jazz fans and those experiencing the genre for the first time.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with energetic brass sections, improvisational solos and rhythmic grooves that highlight the versatility of jazz and funk styles. The festival setting fosters interaction between performers and audience members, often including opportunities for questions or informal discussions around the music.
For those unable to attend in person, the college occasionally shares highlights through its social media channels and arts program updates. However, the live experience remains the core focus of the event.
The 21st annual JazzFest arrives at a time when community arts events continue to draw strong local support across St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. CSM’s commitment to music education extends beyond the festival through year-round ensembles and classes available to students and community members.
Additional information about the performances, including exact workshop times if released closer to the event, and ticket purchasing options are available on the CSM website. The college contact for music programs is Dr. Stephen Johnson at 301-934-7578.
