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.

Tom Hook

One of the most loved and exciting performers at the festival. Musician songwriter Tom Hook began his career in Kansas City Missouri, performing in local and regional jazz and rock bands, as well as working as a stage performer at Worlds of Fun theme park. He was a founding member of the New Red Onion Jazz Babies, a regional “trad” jazz favorite.
Leaving Kansas City in 1980, Tom began a long association with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, working as a lounge entertainer on board the Mississippi Queen until late 1984 when he assumed bandleader duties on the Delta Queen.

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.

Travis Anderson Trio

VIDEO

With energy and chops to burn, The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh interpretations to standards and more – from Chopin to Mario Bros – they swing like there’s no tomorrow while saluting the great trios of yesterday.

Travis Anderson has been delighting audiences with his dazzling piano technique and inventive arrangements since 2003. Additionally, he has taken his unique piano style all over the metro area and beyond.

Steve Pikal is one of the most in-demand bassists in the region. Adept at many genres, his joyous stage presence and buoyant playing add an exciting element to every show.

Nathan Norman is a first-call drummer in the Twin Cities. Also, he has collaborated with many of the area’s finest artists, including Bruce Henry, Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, and more.

Dave Bennett Six

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.

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, Shaymus Hanlin - Vocals | Paul Odeh - Piano | Mike Sailors - Trumpet | Kevin Congleton - Drums | and Steve Pikal - Bass.

San Lyon with Katie Cavera

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.

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

NOIR

Inspired by the elegance and mood of Art Nouveau design and classic cinema, NOIR is a refined yet spirited ensemble blending jazz, blues, and vintage swing with warmth and musical depth. Rooted in tradition but never confined by it, the group brings sophistication, groove, and a refreshing sense of play to the stage, offering audiences a lively and stylish departure from the expected.

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.

Carl “Sonny” Leyland’s Boogie Woogie Boys

Carl brings his boogie woogie boys and they will light up the stage! At age 15 Leyland discovered boogie woogie when he heard a school friend working through a written arrangement of a tune called JD's Boogie Woogie (Marvin Wright). Captivated by the sound of the repeating 8 to the bar left hand pattern, Leyland was inspired to go to the piano and begin on a path that would become his life's purpose. Within three months he would be performing in public & shortly after would become a member of a respected local group "The Bob Pearce Blues Band."

Precious Byrd

New to Sun Valley this year! The hottest band in the Pacific Northwest!

This funky rock n’ roll dance band will make any event take flight!

Precious Byrd is one of the most sought after bands in the Pacific Northwest. Voted #1 Party Band in Oregon multiple years running they have played for brands like Nike, Deschutes Brewery, Pendleton Whiskey, and more! Their fresh renditions of modern and classic hits, along with a number of high energy originals are sure to fill the dance floor and get people on their feet!

The band plays across the nation and features drummer extraordinaire Michael Summers, boasting one of the tightest rhythm sections around. Matched with the soulful high energy of bassist/frontman Corey Parnell and his brother Casey Parnell on electric, the crowd gets nothing but their all!

The band also features renowned saxophone player Andy Warr, know for his work on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Hot Jazz Collective

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.

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 Roger Bissell
The extraordinary Meloney Collins

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.

Sherri Colby and Matty Bottel

Racketmakers

The Parnells

The Parnells are a Folk/Americana band based in Portland, OR, fronted by husband and wife duo, Corey and Whitney Parnell. Born in the singer-songwriter pub scene of central Oregon, they carved out a reputation for powerful live shows, honest songwriting, and vocal prowess. With rich family harmony at the center of their sound, The Parnells bend genres and carve a sonic path that is both adventurous and familiar, blending elements of folk, roots country and Americana music traditions. Their first record, the “Own Your Soul” EP was released in 2019 to much anticipation, packed out venues, and landed them multiple playlist placements including the coveted “New Music Nashville” on Spotify. Promoters soon took notice and began booking The Parnells alongside well-known artists like Jewel, Kris Kristofferson, Elle King and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. 2023 brought the release of their critically acclaimed self-titled record. Recorded ‘live off the floor’, in Sisters, OR and produced by David Jacobs-Strain, this new record puts The Parnell’s raw talent and clever songwriting on display, establishing them as one of Oregon’s bands on the rise. VIDEO

The Marching Band

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

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.