The Heartbeat of the Festival

The Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival unites incredible lineup of artists who fill the mountains with unforgettable music.

From world-class bands to rising stars, each performer shares not just their music–but their passion, energy, and love for counting with an audience.

Every note you hear is part of the magic that makes this festival unforgettable. Swing, blues, gospel, big band, boogie, and beyond–you’ll find it all here, performed by musicians who make Sun Valley their stage. 

The Big Band

Jazz band performing with a conductor leading; musicians playing saxophones and trombones on stage with colorful lights in the background.

Get ready to swing, sway, and smile with the Terry Myers Big Band!

This world-class group of musicians brings the heat with sizzling brass, toe-tapping rhythms, and melodies that will lift your spirits.

Add in the smooth vocals of Jaimie Roberts and Shaymus Hanlin, and you’ve got a show that’s equal parts energy, soul, and pure jazz joy. Grab your seat (and maybe your dancing shoes!) for one unforgettable performance.

People on a stage at Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival holding musical instruments, surrounded by American flags.

The Marching Band

Led by Conductor Tom Dale, twenty professional musicians set the tone — and everyone’s welcome to join in! Dust off your trumpet and be part of the music.

Don’t miss the moving moment when the local Girl Scouts present the colors and veterans are honored.

Tom Rigney and Flambeau

Rigney’s all-star band delivers a show that’s as smart as it is electrifying.

Their high-energy performances blend tight ensemble playing, irresistible grooves, and soaring solos.

Featuring renowned guitarist Marc Brinitzer, boogie-woogie queen Caroline Dahl, bassist Sam Rocha, and drummer Brent Rapone, this powerhouse group creates music that’s both evocative and uplifting—always led by that unforgettable guy in the red boots.

A vintage-style musical quartet performing in a garden setting, featuring a banjo player, a female singer, a guitarist, and a double bassist, surrounded by plants and outdoor decor.

San Lyon with Katie Cavera

New to Sun Valley this year!
Check out: San Lyon Music

San Lyon is a Los Angeles–based swing jazz quartet blending early 20th-century Parisian Gypsy swing with classic American jazz standards and original vintage-inspired tunes.

Together since 2019, they’ve recorded several albums and built a reputation for their vibrant, toe-tapping sound.

The group features:

  • Paige Herschell (San Antonio, TX) – vocals, melodica, kazoo, and snare drum

  • Katie Cavera (Evansville, IN) – bass, banjo, guitar, and vocals

  • Jenna Colombet (Lyon, France) – violin, bass, snare drum, and French vocals

  • Dani Vargas (Santiago, Chile) – guitar, bass, and vocals

A band performing live on stage with a singer, guitarists, a saxophonist, and a drummer. People in the audience are dancing and enjoying the music. The stage features bright spotlights and signage with 'High Street' text.

The High Street Party Band

High Street brings the party wherever they go—wowing crowds across the USA and lighting up cruise lines in the Caribbean.

From New York to Las Vegas, the Burbank Starlight Bowl to Hawaii, Portland, Mexico, Seattle, and Victoria, BC, this powerhouse band delivers unforgettable performances coast to coast (and beyond!).

Their setlist is a crowd-pleaser, featuring Motown classics, 70’s–90’s dance hits, Top 40 favorites, jazz, R&B, blues, funk, and party rock ‘n’ roll—guaranteed to get everyone moving.

The lineup includes:
Matt Summers – Vocals I Emily Stanton – Vocals I Mike Seifrit – Bass, Vocals
Bruce Wehler – Drums I Jeff Cox – Piano I Jerry Coleman – Trombone
Steve Goff – Saxes I Special Guests: Brian Casserly – Trumpet, Vocals & Michael Summers – Drums, Vocals

Person smiling and playing a double bass.
A man playing a drum set on stage with blue lighting.
Person playing piano, wearing glasses and a brown jacket, smiling at camera.

Leyland, Pikal, & Coots Trio

“Exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting!” might be the perfect way to sum up this powerhouse trio.

Since coming together, they’ve been on a mission to share their unique blend of music and fun with audiences worldwide.

Mixing jazz, blues, stride, boogie, pop, and ragtime, they took things up a notch by adding bassist Steve Pikal—making their performances even more energetic, playful, and downright irresistible.

Alpha Rhythm Kings

Four musicians playing jazz instruments on stage, including a trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and double bass, with a red curtain backdrop.

New to Sun Valley this year! Check out: AlphaRhythmKings.com

Established in 2017, the Alpha Rhythm Kings have created quite a stir with music fans, having crafted an exciting, King Size California sound, with what roots music magazine No Depression calls "the badge of authenticity".

The A.R.K.'s high-energy vintage vibe has whisked them all over the globe, from the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, to performances in Hungary, Austria, Germany, and back to the USA to play at the Grammy Awards Nominee San Francisco Chapter Celebration. Rob Dehlinger, Trumpet; Carroll Ashby, Trombone; Rob Verdi, Sax; Matt Roads, Bass; Richard Nelson Hall, Piano; Greg Wyatt-Pratt, Drums

Woman sitting on a purple chair, holding an acoustic guitar, with a dark wooden background.

Carolyn Martin Swing Quartet

Carolyn is a Texas born swing singer, currently based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is a member of the Texas Western Swing Hall Of Fame, the Northwest Western Swing Music Society’s Hall of Fame, the Western Swing Society of the Southwest’s Hall of Fame, and the Western Swing Hall of Fame. In 2014, the Cowtown Society of Western Music named Carolyn a “Hero of Western Swing”, and Carolyn has been  the recipient of the Academy of Western Artists’ Will Rogers award as the Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year multiple times. Dave Martin on Bass, Randy Morris on Piano, and Danny Coots on Drums

A young man sitting on a chair holding a black and gold hollow body electric guitar, with a clarinet resting on a small table nearby.

Dave Bennett Five

For starters, you don’t find many jazz clarinet players who name Alice Cooper, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Chris Isaak among their influences. You won’t find many musicians who are equally conversant with the music of Benny Goodman (the “King of Swing”) and Roy Orbison (“The Soul of Rock and Roll”). In fact, you may not find even one other clarinet virtuoso who breaks from his Swing Era repertoire to sing rockabilly hits while accompanying himself at the piano or electric guitar. 

Dave will be joined by some very talented musicians to make the “Dave Bennett Five” group including, Paul Odeh - Piano, Mike Sailors - Trumpet, Kevin Congleton - Drums, and Steve Pikal - Bass.

Elderly man in a suit holding a saxophone, smiling at the camera. He is wearing glasses and a tie, sitting against a dark blue background.

Hot Jazz Collective

Prepare to be dazzled as the legendary Terry Myers takes the stage with his handpicked collection of world-class virtuosos! This isn't just any performance—it's a gathering of international musical royalty guaranteed to leave you breathless.

Fan favorites return by popular demand:

  • The incomparable Jason Wanner

  • The charismatic Davy Jones

  • Rhythm master Eddie Metz Jr.

  • The sensational Bobby Durham

  • The brilliant Pat Gullotta

  • The extraordinary Jaimie Roberts

Two musicians performing, one playing a trumpet and the other a trombone, both wearing formal attire.

Yve Evans Trio

Yve Evans is a celebrated singer-pianist known for her energetic and soulful performances in the jazz and blues genres. Her trio, often featuring talented musicians who complement her dynamic style, is renowned for delivering captivating live performances that blend jazz standards with unique interpretations. Yve's voice is characterized by its supple tone and clever phrasing, which she uses to breathe new life into classic songs. The trio's performances are marked by a seamless interplay between the musicians, creating a rich and engaging musical experience that resonates with audiences. Yve Evans and her trio are known for their ability to connect with listeners, drawing them into the emotional depth and joy of their music. Larry Washington - Drums, Rick Taylor - Bass

The Baker Boys

Clint Baker is one of the most important musicians in the contemporary Traditional Jazz and Swing world. Besides being a first-class musician (a multi-instrumentalist), he is also a bandleader, educator, jazz historian, and a mentor to younger musicians.

Included in the group are Riley Baker - Trombone, Carl Sonny Leyland - Piano, Katie Cavera - Bass, and Nate Ketner - Sax

Motel Kalifornia

Eagles, Tom Petty, Creedance tribute

Motel Kalifornia is a high-energy tribute band that performs live shows featuring top hits from iconic artists such as the Eagles, Tom Petty, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Their performances are designed to deliver memorable experiences by capturing the essence and energy of these legendary musicians. The band is known for its engaging live shows that celebrate the music of these classic music icons, making them a popular choice for fans looking to relive the sounds of rock's golden era.

MUSICIANS

Person playing piano and smiling, wearing a dark turtleneck sweater.

Jason Wanner

Man in formal attire sitting at a piano, with green curtains in the background.

Paul Odeh

Man holding a brass trombone near a stone wall.

Pat Gullotta

A woman with red hair singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black sleeveless dress, with a band blurred in the background.

Jaimie Roberts

A man with dark hair and a beard wearing a black and white floral shirt playing a double bass on a stage with a shimmering blue backdrop.

Sam Rocha

A man playing a saxophone on stage with dim lighting, wearing a dark shirt.

Nate Ketner

A man in formal attire playing a banjo with autumn decorations nearby.

Bobby Durham

Person with long braided hair wearing a black outfit and a statement necklace, positioned next to a piano, on a dark background.

Yve Evans

Musician playing trumpet with passion, wearing glasses and a cap in a live performance setting.

Clint Baker

Person wearing glasses and a suit sitting at a piano, smiling.

Carl Sonny Leyland

Person playing a drum set on stage with blue lighting.

Danny Coots

Man holding trumpet, wearing beige suit and colorful tie against black background

Davy Jones

A person sitting on a chair holding a black Gretsch guitar with gold accents, wearing a black outfit and black shoes. A clarinet rests on a wooden stool beside them against a white background.

Dave Bennett

Elderly man playing drums with a smile, wearing a red shirt, on a stage setup.

Eddie Metz Jr.

Man in suit holding saxophone outdoors

Rob Verdi

Man in formal attire holding a trumpet, wearing a top hat and glasses against a black background.

Brian Casserly

A man wearing a black hat and gray suit jacket playing a saxophone on stage with colorful lights in the background.

Steve Goff

Man playing Canopus drum set on rooftop

Kevin Congleton

Close-up portrait of a woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair, smiling, wearing a black top and a silver necklace.

Sherri Colby

A man with a beard wearing a pink shirt and light blue tie holding a pink and black flip phone, smiling at the camera.

Matty Bottel

A man in a light gray suit and black tie playing a trumpet against a plain white background.

Michael Sailors

Woman with blonde hair, sunglasses, and red lipstick, wearing black sequined dress and large earrings, smiling at a lake or river.

Emily Stanton

A man in a suit leaning on a double bass, smiling and looking joyful.
Man wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie, smiling at the camera.

Shaymus Hanlin

Steve Pikal

2025 Specialty Bands and Events

  • Big Band Bash

  • High Street’s Dancin’ Through the Decades

  • Dance lessons!

  • Afterglow Dinner & Dance

  • Grande Finale

  • ...and more!

  • Marching Band Salute

  • Ladies Sing

  • Miles Davis Tribute

  • Clarinet Clambake

  • Party on the Bayou

  • Gospel Sets

  • Brian Casserly's Jumpin' Blues All Stars

  • Jerry Lee Lewis Tribute

  • Rhythm & Blues

  • Rob Verdi's Little Big Band

  • Banjomaniacs

  • Flambeau Cajun, Blues & Rock n' Roll

Casey Parnell

A man with light brown hair and a mustache smiling in a close-up portrait

Randy Morris

Michael Summers

A man in a suit and red polka dot tie singing into a vintage microphone while holding a trumpet against a dark brown background.

Rob Dehlinger

Nick Monteiro