The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the 56th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival on February 19–20 in Weatherford. This festival is open to the public and will feature two days of concerts, clinics, and social events. The festival will feature acclaimed guest artists trombonist Andy Martin and the Stockton Helbing Trio, alongside the SWOSU Jazz Orchestra.
Festival events begin Thursday, Feb. 19, with a free public concert at 7 p.m. in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Trombonist Andy Martin will be joined by the Stockton Helbing Trio for an evening of small-group jazz. A kickback will follow at 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Lobby Lounge, providing an informal space for conversation after the concert. Snacks will be provided by the SWOSU Music Department.
Friday’s schedule includes the SWOSU Big Band Festival, which runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bands from across the region will perform throughout the day and receive ratings and written comments from judges, many of whom are SWOSU alumni. The festival is non-competitive and open to middle school, junior high, high school, junior college and university ensembles. Non-performing groups are encouraged to observe performances, clinics and concerts. Admission to Big Band Festival events and clinics is free and open to the public.
Registration for the SWOSU Big Band Festival is open through Jan. 23. Participating bands will perform and receive ratings and comments from judges. Certificates will be awarded to outstanding high school or middle school soloists in each band, with two soloists receiving free tuition scholarships to a 2026 SWOSU Music camp of their choice. Registration details are available at www.swosu.jotform.com /252358241442857.
In addition to the Big Band Festival, Andy Martin will present free jazz clinics at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday in the Hilltop Theatre.