Past Guest Artists and Clinicians

2022 Guest Artist: Dr. Caroline Davis

image of Caroline Davis sitting down surrounded by plants

This year’s guest artist was Brooklyn-based saxophonist and composer Caroline Davis, winner of the 2018 Downbeat Critic’s Poll “Rising Star” category for alto saxophone. She presented concerts with the UP Jazz Ensemble on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:00pm and Thursday, April 14 at 11:15am. She also gave master classes on the 13th at 12:30 pm and the 14th at 10:00am and performed with the UP Jazz Faculty each day of the Festival. More information on Dr. Davis can be found on her website: http://www.carolinedavis.org/.

Adjudicators and clinicians for this year's Festival were Dan Davey, Susie Jones, Joe Manis, and Ryan Meagher.

2019 Guest Artist: Charles McPherson

Charles McPherson with saxophone

Legendary saxophonist Charles McPherson presented concerts with the UP Jazz Ensemble on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00pm and Thursday, April 18 at 11:30am. He also gave master classes on Wednesday, April 17 at 12:30pm and on Thursday, April 18 at 10:15am. Mr. McPherson joined the UP Jazz Festival after recent performances at Lincoln Center (New York) and the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.). More information on Charles McPherson can be found on his website: www.charlesmcpherson.com.

Adjudicators and clinicians for this year's festival were Dan Davey, Susie Jones, Joe Manis, and Cassio Vianna.