links

As we prepare for the 55th Bix Jazz Festival (our “Emerald” anniversary), we are celebrating our merger with Common Chord by highlighting Bix’s collaborations with Jean Goldkette. The 2026 Festival will have a special set featuring this important musical team-up, other special sets highlighting other works of the time period, and the return of the special events you know and love!

FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Thursday, July 30

Special Events:

12-1:30/2pm: Silent Film Comedies of the 1920s at Last Picture House with Jeff Barnhart & Josh Duffee

3-4pm: Putnam Museum Concert with Chicago Cellar Boys (Free)

At Rhythm City Casino:

5-5:45pm: Bix Youth Band

6-6:45pm: Mike Davis’ New Wonders

7-7:45pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables

8-8:45pm: Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band

9-9:45pm: Graystone Monarchs

Friday, July 31

Special Event:

11am-2pm: Celebration Belle Riverboat Cruise with T.J. Muller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs

At Rhythm City Casino:

11-11:45am: Bix Youth Band

12-12:45pm: Chicago Cellar Boys

1-1:45pm: Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band

2-2:45pm: Solo Piano Sets by Jeff Barnhart, Paul Asaro, and David Boeddinghaus

3-3:35pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables present the songs of Melrose Music Co.

(3:45-4:45pm: Break)

*Friday evening 5-10pm: Open dance instruction by Jeanette Watts*

4:45-5pm: Solo Piano Set by David Boeddinghaus

5-5:15pm: Bix Lives Award Presentation

5:15-6pm: Mike Davis’ New Wonders

6:15-7pm: Chicago Cellar Boys

7:15-8pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables

8:15-9pm: Graystone Monarchs

9:15-10pm: Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band presents “When Louis Met Bix”

Saturday, August 1

Special Event:

10-11am: Bix’s Gravesite Concert with Mike Davis’ New Wonders (Free)

At Rhythm City Casino:

11-11:45am: Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band

12-12:45pm: Chicago Cellar Boys

1-1:45pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables present music of the Halfway House Orchestra and New Orleans Owls

2-2:15pm: Bix Youth Awards

2:15-3pm: Bix Youth Band

3:15-4pm: Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five Centennial

(4-4:45pm: Break)

4:45-5pm: Solo Piano Set by David Boeddinghaus

5-5:15pm: Andy Schumm presents Bix Beiderbecke’s Modern Piano Suite

5:30-6:15pm: Mike Davis’ New Wonders

6:30-7:15pm: Graystone Monarchs present Bix Beiderbecke & Jean Goldkette Orchestra Centennial

7:30-8:15pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables present Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers Centennial

8:30-9:15pm: Jeff Barnhart’s Fats Waller Legacy Band

9:30-10:15pm: Chicago Cellar Boys

Sunday, August 2

Special Events:

9:30am: Bix Jazz Liturgy at First Presbyterian Church

2:00pm: Sunday Session in the Redstone Room with Dave Bennett, Dave Kosmyna, Steve Pikal, and Adler Schiedt

SPECIAL EVENT DETAILS:

*NEW!* Silent Film Comedies of the 1920s with Live Accompaniment

Thursday, July 30 – 12pm-2pm

The Last Picture House, 325 E 2nd Street, Davenport, IA 52801

Admission: $15

Tickets available from Common Chord. To purchase tickets along with your festival passes, click here or call 563-324-7170.

Join us at the delightful Last Picture House to enjoy silent film comedies of the 1920s paired with live music! Jeff Barnhart (piano) and Josh Duffee (percussion sound effects) provide the live soundtrack to these films. Special thanks to our partners at The Last Picture House!

Putnam Museum Concert featuring Bix’s Cornet

Thursday, July 30 – 3pm-4pm

The Putnam Museum, 1717 W 12th Street, Davenport, IA 52804

Admission: Free

The Chicago Cellar Boys will play this year’s Putnam Concert, treating audiences to a one-hour show in the Putnam’s Grand Lobby. Thanks to our partners at the Putnam, you’ll hear Bix’s cornet played live – a perfect way to kick off the Festival!

Celebration Belle Riverboat Cruise

Friday, July 31 – 11am-2pm

Celebration Belle, 2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Cruise with dinner: $65.95 for non-members, $63.95 for members

Tickets only available directly from Celebration Belle. To purchase tickets, click here or call 1-800-297-0034.

Cruise down the Mississippi while enjoying lunch and live music, just like in Bix’s day! TJ Muller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs will entertain you as you watch the beautiful scenery and take to the dance floor!

Concert at Bix’s Gravesite

Saturday, August 1 – 10am-11am

Oakdale Memorial Gardens, 2501 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, IA 52803

Admission: Free

Back to where it all started! The Bix Jazz Festival was founded after touring musicians held an impromptu memorial concert at Bix’s final resting place, and we carry that tradition on. Mike Davis’ New Wonders will play this free concert, which also features a parade of historical cars.

Bix Jazz Liturgy at First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, August 2 – 9:30am

First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Admission: Free

Bix Festival musicians join the FPC Sanctuary Choir for a Bix-inspired church service.

Sunday Session in the Redstone Room

Sunday, August 2 – 2pm

The Redstone Room at Common Chord, 131 W 2nd Street, Davenport, IA 52801

Admission: $10 or free with any Festival pass

All-seated show, full bar.

Featuring: Dave Bennett, Dave Kosmyna, Steve Pikal, and Adler Schiedt

Celebrate the conclusion of the 55th Bix Jazz Festival and look toward the future, as we enjoy a variety of jazz from this quartet of Festival stars! The Redstone Room, Common Chord’s club-style music venue downtown, serves as the perfect setting for jazz!

Limited seating: Purchase your presale ticket or email bix@commonchordqc.org to RSVP in advance if you have a Festival pass of any type. Tickets and free entry for Festival pass holders only available at the door pending availability.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

As we plan for the future, now is the time to show your support!

If you believe in a strong future for traditional jazz and the music of Bix, make your gift today!

Click here to make a donation or renew your membership:

Your

Double click here to add text.