The 55th Bix Jazz Festival – OUR EMERALD YEAR!
Join us once again in Davenport as we celebrate entering a new era of the Bix Jazz Festival!
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!
July 30 through August 1, 2026
At Rhythm City Casino
Scroll down to view the full detailed Festival schedule and information on special events.
To purchase tickets, visit the Festival event page or call 563-324-7170.
Looking for hotel rooms? Click the link below.
Signing up for our monthly email newsletter is the easiest way to stay informed!
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
3-3:35pm: Oliver-Smith Incomparables present the songs of Melrose Music Co.
(3:45-5pm: Break)
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
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
(4-5pm: Break)
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
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.
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:
If you prefer to make your gift via check:
1. Download the membership form by clicking here.
2. Make your check out to “Common Chord” and include “Bix” in the memo line.
3. Mail your completed membership form and check to: Common Chord, 129 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801
You may also make your contribution by debit or credit card over the phone by calling 563-223-8642.
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