Enjoy the winter thaw by getting out of the house to warm your soul with an evening of instrumental Jazz, featuring the UWL Jazz Ensembles under the leadership of Dr. Jeff Erickson and Professor Jon Ailabouni. Featuring the premiere of an arrangement by Mike Conrad of “Fraught Hope Blues”, one of Ailabouni’s original compositions.

Free and Open to the public, no reservations required. For special accommodations, please contact the music office at 608-785-8409.

Led by Decorah, Iowa based drummer and improvisor Nick Zielinski, known for his work with various musical collectives, this event offers a captivating exploration of music and creativity that's open to all. On April 14th, Zielinski will collaborate with Jon Ailabouni, promising a diverse and spontaneous musical experience. There will be genre-bending improvised music, followed by workshops where audience members can actively participate in creating spontaneous music. All ages, instruments, and musical styles are welcome, and percussion instruments will be available for those without their own.

“Virtuosic saxophonist Chris Merz has put together an All-Star cast to celebrate the music of the great Wayne Shorter.”

Jon Ailabouni will be joining Chris Merz & Co. for a one-night-only performance at the Opus Concert Café in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Located in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids, this upscale performance destination is home to irresistible chamber music, intoxicating jazz, and intimate cabaret concerts. Tickets available at artsiowa.com.

Join us for an electrifying night at the Cappella Performing Arts Center, where the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra presents a dynamic concert featuring the incomparable guest artist Tom Wopat. Tom, renowned for his iconic role in “Dukes of Hazzard” and acclaimed performances at NYC’s jazz club Birdland, will infuse the evening with his unmatched charm and musical finesse. Led by the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, the night will resonate with jazz’s timeless allure, showcasing a fusion of classic and contemporary arrangements that promise to captivate all. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical journey through the heart of jazz and beyond.

Extend your evening of musical enchantment at the Afterglow, where the magic continues with the mesmerizing melodies of jazz pianist Luke Thering!

Join us for an electrifying night at the Cappella Performing Arts Center, where the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra presents a dynamic concert featuring the incomparable guest artist Tom Wopat. Tom, renowned for his iconic role in “Dukes of Hazzard” and acclaimed performances at NYC’s jazz club Birdland, will infuse the evening with his unmatched charm and musical finesse. Led by the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, the night will resonate with jazz’s timeless allure, showcasing a fusion of classic and contemporary arrangements that promise to captivate all. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical journey through the heart of jazz and beyond.

Extend your evening of musical enchantment at the Afterglow, where the magic continues with the mesmerizing melodies of jazz pianist Luke Thering!

A special jazz liturgy for Lent featuring Ailabouni arrangements of hymns, spirituals, a Palestinian Christian song of peace, and his original composition You Are Not Alone.

Jon Ailabouni - trumpet, flugelhorn

Simon Harding - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet

Mike Conrad - piano

Troy Birdsong - bass

Chris Jensen - drums

TICKET LINK | ONLINE TICKET SALES END 4 HOURS BEFORE THE SHOW. TICKETS MAY ALSO BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR.

Doors - 7:00 p.m.

Show - 8:00 p.m. (Two sets)

Listen to Jon Ailabouni at BANDCAMP

You are not alone. Others share your griefs. Others will share your joys. -Jon Ailabouni, trumpeter and composer

Presenting Jon Ailabouni’s original music from his most recent album entitled You Are Not Alone. Using the jazz tradition as a vehicle for storytelling, Ailabouni's work speaks to the challenges of our times, offering hope and solace through musical catharsis. Ailabouni leads a five-piece ensemble that includes some of the best musicians and improvisers in the region. Come enjoy this dynamic evening of music for the heart, designed for healing, feeling, and being. 

Jon Ailabouni  trumpet & flugelhorn Simon Harding  saxophones & bass clarinet Mike Conrad piano Karyn Quinn  bass Chris Jensen  drums

Jon Ailabouni (he/him/his) is a sought-after trumpeter, composer, liturgist, and educator based in La Crosse, WI . With a background steeped in Western European classical and Black American jazz traditions, Ailabouni's music is a vehicle for storytelling using instrumental composition and improvisation as a means to speak to challenges of our times, offering hope and solace through musical catharsis. Ailabouni's improvisation as a soloist has been described as "sharp and resourceful" (AllAboutJazz.com). His 2023 album, You Are Not Alone, for SkyDeck Music features his original compositions and has been performed on the main stage at the Iowa City Jazz Festival and for full houses at Capella Performing Arts Center in La Crosse, WI and Crooner’s in Minneapolis, MN.An emerging national leader on the intersection of jazz and liturgical traditions, Jon regularly serves as a guest jazz worship director, bringing the sophistication and soulfulness of the jazz tradition into familiar hymns and liturgy in churches, synod assemblies, and gatherings across the country. Ailabouni currently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse where he teaches trumpet and directs the Jazz Ensemble and Hoefer Brass Quintet. 

…I really loved this. [Ailabouni's You Are Not Alone] must be the most compelling jazz album I’ve heard all year. There are funky and fun grooves, tender ballads, bluesy moments, and modal mayhem. The compositions and arrangements are unique and they keep you pulled into the music. Ailabouni has great tone and phrasing with a nice mix of restraint and completely letting loose. -Adult Music Podcast

Friday, March 15, 7:00 - 10:00PM

Jon Ailabouni

At the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts - 926 East Center Street

Join trumpeter and composer Jon Ailabouni for an evening of original music from his most recent album entitled 'You Are Not Alone'. Using the jazz tradition as a vehicle for storytelling, Ailabouni's work speaks to the challenges of our times, offering hope and solace through musical catharsis. Come enjoy this dynamic evening of music for the heart, designed for healing, feeling, and being.

7:00 p.m. - Doors

7:30 p.m. - Show (two sets)

Cover fee: $20 (Please note that we do not sell tickets in advance - doors only. Both cards and cash are accepted)

Our first stop on tour is Thursday, March 14 for a special event at Winona State University. If you are in the area and consider yourself a fan, student, or teacher of jazz (or jazz adjacent) music you don't want to miss this.

All events in the DuFresne Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. FREE admission.

6:00 p.m. - I'll be moderating a panel at 6pm entitled "Hear Me Out: Democracy, Education, and Jazz" with a number of bright lights in the field of jazz education. 

7:30 p.m. - My band will be joined by Jon Irabagon and Chris Rochester to respond directly to the themes of the panel with musical selections that touches on discovery/play through improvisation, the insurrection at the Capitol, and a piece that is an expression of my identity as a Palestinian-American. Looking forward to deep conversation and music making! 

BIG thanks to Aaron Lohmeyer and everyone at WSU for the vision and follow through to make this happen!

On Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, Jon Ailabouni will be working with jazz students from Norwalk High School. Details TBD.

“Virtuosic saxophonist Chris Merz has put together an All-Star cast to celebrate the music of the great Wayne Shorter.”

Jon Ailabouni will be joining Chris Merz & Co. for a one-night-only performance at Noce Jazz Club and Cabaret in Des Moines, Iowa.

Noce is a modern jazz club and cabaret established to present Des Moines with some of the greatest jazz music & theater from around the Midwest. Tickets available at SimpleTix.com

Join Jon Ailabouni at the 2024 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orelans, Louisiana.

Diversifying the jazz canon requires the inclusion of women composers, particularly works that are accessible to beginning improvisors in terms of tempo, register, harmony and form. This clinic will center music by artists such as Mary Lou Williams, Vivien Garry, and Melba Liston and offer strategies for teaching their compositions.

The UW-Platteville Performing Arts Series presents: Isthmus Brass!

Celebrate the holiday season with a performance by Isthmus Brass, a Madison-based brass ensemble. Tickets are $15 general admission and free for UW-Platteville students with ID.

Gather your friends and family and come enjoy the magic of the holiday season with us.

The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, known for their incredible talent and captivating performances, will be delivering a jazzy twist to your favorite Christmas classics. Get ready to tap your feet along to familiar tunes in a unique and lively jazz style.

Continue your evening of musical delight at the Afterglow, where the festive tunes of Vocalist Janette Hanson and Guitarist Mark Hanson keep the holiday spirit alive!

General Admission and Cabaret Seating (blue lounge furniture with a complimentary glass of Champagne) available.

Celebrate the start of the holidays with UWL's Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Martin Gaines. Featuring Ailabouni in an exciting performance of “Bugler’s Holiday”, by Leroy Anderson.

Free and Open to the public, No reservations required. For special accommodations, please contact the Music Office 608-785-8409.

Gather your friends and family and come enjoy the magic of the holiday season with us.

The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, known for their incredible talent and captivating performances, will be delivering a jazzy twist to your favorite Christmas classics. Get ready to tap your feet along to familiar tunes in a unique and lively jazz style.

Continue your evening of musical delight at the Afterglow, where the festive tunes of Vocalist Janette Hanson and Guitarist Mark Hanson keep the holiday spirit alive!

General Admission and Cabaret Seating (blue lounge furniture with a complimentary glass of Champagne) available.

Join Jon Ailabouni and others for a special Jazz Lessons & Carols worship service on Sunday, December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. in the Noble Recital Hall at Luther College. This service features the musical talents of students and guest artists.

A festive spin on a traditional Christmastime service, this will be a joyful addition to the Christmas at Luther weekend – don’t miss it!

Coffee social at 9:30am in the atrium, service to start at 10:00am.

Kick off your holiday season with conductors Dr. Jeff Erickson and Mr. Jon Ailabouni and the UWL Jazz ensembles in the Bluffs Ballroom. It’s a holiday-themed, jazz-infused experience for music lovers of all ages!

Featuring the premiere of “Playful”, one of Ailabouni’s new arrangements for big band.

Join us Sunday 9:00 Nov. 19th featuring Jon Ailabouni w/ACTS band. Last June we had the opportunity to hear this service during our LaCrosse Area Synod Gathering, and it is wonderful. Thanks to the support of the Trust Foundation; we're bringing Jon to our ACTS service. Jon has composed the arrangements to be easily accessible for congregational singing and enjoyable for jazz musicians to play. His hope is that they will enliven worship with a fresh, soulful, toe-tapping musical perspective on familiar hymns.

Truly if you are looking to inspire children to take up band instruments, bring them to the service. Nothing inspires one more than listening to top notch musicians; and of course the Holy Spirit will be alive in the music.

Of course if you can't make it, we'll be streaming it too.

You Are Not Alone contains music for the heart, designed for healing, feeling, and being. In each piece, the musicians collectively meditate on a specific challenge or theme. Parenting in the pandemic, the insurrection at the Capitol, the human cost of America’s foreign wars, and Ailabouni's identity as a Palestinian-American are just a few examples.

Ailabouni's music uses the jazz tradition as a vehicle for musical storytelling that is both personal and communal, both intimate and vast. Sometimes it’s a party. Other times a prayer. Or both.

Featured alongside Jon Ailabouni are top musicians from the Midwest: saxophonist Simon Harding (Cedar Falls, IA), pianist Mike Conrad (Cedar Falls, IA), bassist Karyn Quinn (La Crosse, WI), and drummer Chris Jensen (Iowa City, IA).

Join us for a celebration after the concert with food and beverages!

Tickets here!