The Compass Jazz Orchestra is the flagship large jazz ensemble of the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), and it will be a central part of the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival, scheduled for April 23–25, 2026.
The orchestra will perform multiple sets during the festival, often collaborating with world-renowned guest artists at the UNC Campus Commons Performance Hall.
Under the direction of Dana Landry, this ensemble has won numerous DownBeat Student Music Awards and has toured internationally in locations like China, Romania, and the Dominican Republic. Their repertoire often includes original works and arrangements by UNC students and faculty.
Would you like more information on travel accommodations in Greeley or a full list of other performing artists for the 2026 festival?
Mainstage Performance Schedule
Event Details
About the Compass Jazz Orchestra
•Thursday, April 23, 2026 (4:30 PM & 7:30 PM):Centennial Celebration of Miles Davis & John ColtraneThe Compass Jazz Orchestra will perform with guest artists Walter Smith III (saxophone) and Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (trumpet), formerly known as Christian Scott. This set honors the 100th birthdays of these two jazz icons.
•Friday, April 24, 2026 (4:30 PM & 7:30 PM):A Tribute to Jaco PastoriusThe orchestra will be joined by five-time Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten. The performance will feature music from Weather Report and the Word of Mouth Big Band.
•Location: UNC Campus Commons, 1051 22nd Street, Greeley, CO 80639.
•Participants: The festival is the largest of its kind in the nation, featuring over 150 college, high school, and middle school ensembles alongside professional clinicians.
•Tickets: Tickets for the Mainstage concerts typically go on sale in December. You can check availability on the UNC Tickets website.
Updated at 19 Mar 2026