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Mpls: Selby Ave Jazz Fest (Sep 12, 2026)

September 12 @ 5:00 pm
Selbyavenue
Selby Ave Jazz Fest

Selby Ave Jazz Fest (Sep 12, 2026)
September 12, 2026 Saturday
September 13, 2026 Sunday Selby Ave. Jazz Fest
at Selby Avenue
selbyavejazzfest.org
The annual Selby Ave. Jazz Fest is back on the weekend of September 12 and 13.
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles
We attended Selby Ave last year and wrote, “The Selby Avenue Jazz Fest is in the heart of St. Paul, specifically, the Rondo neighborhood. It was founded in 2002 as a response to the one-year anniversary of 9/11. Co-founder, Michael Wright, felt a need to celebrate the good things going on in the world and in the heart of St. Paul, and he felt, “Nothing gets people together like a good old-fashioned block party.” The inaugural Jazz Fest had 600 people. There were quite a few more on Saturday. The original intent of getting people together was evident on arrival for it seemed everybody knew everybody. I have never seen more hugs shared at a music festival and I’ve been to a few EDM concerts. The colorful clothing added to the flair to the festivities. And as a side note, I was surprised to see so many tattoos, especially on attendees who could visit the AARP booth. My favorite sighting was a guy in his 80’s, dressed like he was going to go work out at the local gym. On his left calf there was US. On his right calf MC. Hooah!”
Details:
Immerse yourself in a celebrated St.Paul tradition! Now proudly presented by Walker | West Music Academy, the Selby Ave. Jazz Fest brings nearly 10,000 people together for an unforgettable day of world-class live jazz, local art, food, and vibrant community energy.

DAY ONE / September 12, 2026
• Electric • Immersive • Soulful • Kinetic • Unscripted • Celebrated • Unforgettable • Unifying • Collaborative

Experience a free, full day of world-class music, the Village Marketplace, diverse food specialties, and a dedicated Family Fun Zone. Musicians and fans alike can dive directly into the action by participating in a surprise flash mob band at 11:30 AM at Selby & Milton, or at the official after-hours JazzFest Jam Session at Walker West from 8:00 PM to 10 PM.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Selby Avenue Brass Band
11:30 AM – 11:40 AM | Flash Mob Band | Sheet Music Distribution (Selby Ave & N Milton St)
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Walker|West Faculty X-tet
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Minnesota State Band
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | David Feily
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Mississippi
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Stokley
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Official JazzFest Jam Session | Walker|West Music Academy
Event Kickoff: Parade

March to the rhythm! Join us as we kick off the festival with a lively New Orleans style brass parade down Selby Avenue, complete with authentic second line dancers!

DAY TWO / September 13, 2026
Homecoming • Roots • Lineage • Alumnus • Genius • Iconic • Monumental • Intimate • Access • Prestige

Join legendary Mint Condition frontman and former Walker|West student Stokley for an exclusive, full-circle masterclass at Harmony Hall on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This intimate session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a world-class vocalist and percussionist through personal insights, technique breakdowns, and a live Q&A.

03:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Stokley | Harmony Hall | Walker|West Music Academy

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Selby Ave JazzFest Masterclass will be led by the one and only Stokley. As the voice of Mint Condition and a chart-topping solo artist, Stokley’s influence on R&B, Soul, and Jazz is unmatched.

This is more than just a class; it is a full-circle moment for our community. Stokley’s own musical journey included time as a student right here at Walker|West, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him back to the halls where he once honed his craft. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a world-class percussionist, vocalist, and songwriter in an intimate setting.

Space is strictly limited for this exclusive event. Don’t miss your chance to be in the room with a legend.

Details

Venue

  • Selby Avenue
  • Selby Avenue & Milton Street N
    Saint Paul, MN 55104 United States     + Google Map

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If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to vu@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time. Thank you.