The Muckenthaler's Jazz Festival Returns for Its 21st Year

Every Thursday evening from May 14 through June 18, 2026, The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, California, transforms its outdoor amphitheater into a venue for contemporary jazz exploration. The festival describes itself as eclectic, cutting-edge, and contemporary, showcasing six performances that span the breadth of the jazz tradition.

A Diverse Lineup Across Six Weeks

The 2026 lineup reflects the depth of Southern California's jazz community. Opening the festival on May 14 is the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra with Clay Jenkins, featuring a performer whose career has included sessions with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Harry James, Buddy Rich, and the Count Basie Orchestra. A week later, the "World of Guitars" evening brings together Larry Koonse, Ron Eschete, and Andy Synowiec—with Eschete recognized as a master of the seven-string guitar who works across bebop, ballads, and blues.

Vocalist Debbi Ebert takes the stage on May 28, performing across pop, jazz, groove, soul, and blues. The festival then pivots to instrumental exploration with saxophonist Bob Reynolds and his band on June 4—Reynolds brings credentials as a Grammy-winning member of the instrumental group Snarky Puppy and a prolific recording artist. Rob Rio and his band follow on June 11, known for boogie-woogie and jump blues from the 1940s and 1950s. The festival closes on June 18 with Ann Hampton Callaway and the Bill Cunliffe Combo, with Callaway noted as a champion of the American Songbook across singing, composing, arranging, and education.

The Experience

All performances begin at 7:30 PM, with opening bands performing from 6:45–7:15 PM, giving audiences time to settle in with their own picnic food and drinks. The festival is produced by Jeff Sotzing and Bill Cunliffe. Individual performances cost $35, or attendees can purchase a season pass for all six concerts at $175.

The venue's outdoor setting and permissive bring-your-own-food policy make for a casual evening experience. A beer and wine bar operates on-site, and parking in The Muckenthaler lot is free, removing common barriers to attendance.