Event to take place Feb. 19–20 on college’s main campus
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Feb. 9, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will welcome vocal jazz ensembles from across eastern Iowa for its annual Vocal Jazz Festival, happening Feb. 19–20. The two-day event will feature daytime performances and evening concerts featuring world-renowned ensemble New York Voices.
The Kirkwood Vocal Jazz Festival has been a signature event in the college’s music program since the early 2000s, drawing high school vocal jazz groups for performances, clinics, and professional feedback from nationally respected clinicians and adjudicators.
“Vocal jazz has been a key part of Kirkwood’s music identity for decades,” said Kirkwood Director of Vocal Activities Dr. Fred Kiser. “This festival keeps Kirkwood on the map as an institution that supports vocal jazz at the highest level, while giving students and educators an unforgettable opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the field.”
Over the past decade, the festival has featured 14–20 ensembles representing 8–16 schools, with more than 200 students participating each year. Schools typically come from communities across eastern Iowa, ranging from small rural programs to large metropolitan schools. This year we also have a collegiate ensemble and a community ensemble performing.
The festival serves as an important steppingstone for high school ensembles preparing for the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships, while also offering Kirkwood students valuable leadership and professional networking opportunities as they help run the event alongside guest performers. This year marks the first time Kirkwood has expanded the festival into a two-day event, allowing more ensembles the chance to work with New York Voices, one of the most acclaimed vocal jazz groups in the world.
“New York Voices are widely considered the top vocal jazz ensemble performing today,” said Kiser. “As they near the end of their retirement tour, we wanted to make sure as many students as possible could experience their artistry both in clinics and in concert.”
Daytime festival performances will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the Ballantyne Auditorium Stage, with special lunchtime performances from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Iowa Hall Stage. The daytime performances are free and open to the public. Evening concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in Ballantyne Auditorium. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Admission is free for Kirkwood students, faculty and staff with a valid EagleCard.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.kirkwood.edu/ballantyne.
- Daytime Performances: Free to the public
- Evening Concerts:
- $10 for adults
- $5 for students and seniors
- Free for Kirkwood students, faculty and staff with a valid EagleCard