Smooth Jazz for Scholars 2026 dates/lineup December 18, 2025

On December 5, Jay Rowe announced the lineups and dates for the 23rd anniversary of Smooth Jazz for Scholars. This annual two-night benefit in Jay’s hometown of Milford, Connecticut, benefits the Milford Public Schools music department. Each night opens with a performance by one of the schools’ jazz ensembles, followed by Jay and the headliners. There will be five headliners on Friday, May 1, and four on Saturday, May 2. Doors to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium open at 7PM, and the shows begin at 8PM.

Here was Jay’s Facebook announcement:

This will be the sixth year in a row for Marion Meadows. Timmy Maia is headlining for the third consecutive year. Althea René is making her second appearance, twice in three years. Alex Bugnon, Steve Cole, and Steve Oliver also return for the second time in three years. Alex and Jessy J are appearing for fourth time overall, Steve Cole for the fifth time. It’s Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver’s third time overall. Chieli Minucci is as much of a Smooth Jazz for Scholars mainstay as Marion and Timmy, appearing too many times to count. It will be a treat to see all of them.

Repeating the information in Jay’s announcement:

Friday, May 1
Marion Meadows
Brian Simpson
Jessy J
Steve Oliver
Timmy Maia

Saturday, May 2
Alex Bugnon
Chieli Minucci
Althea René
Steve Cole

Location:
Veterans Memorial Auditorium in the Parsons Government Center
70 W. River St.
Milford, CT 06460

Tickets: $55 for one night, $95 for both nights

General admission tickets can be bought through Eventbrite.

Reserved seating must be ordered by sending funds to Jay via apps or a check.

Venmo: John-Rowe-43
PayPal: funhouse63@aol.com
Zelle: 203-415-8878

Otherwise, send your check to:
Jay Rowe
P.O. Box 3723
Milford, CT 06460

I’ll end this promotional post with recaps of last year’s first night and second night.