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Deep Dish Music Festival

Philip Lassiter playing trumpet on stage
Jon Irabagon

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s 10th annual festival will take place on March 12, 2027, and will feature acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Jon Irabagon as the guest artist.

Deep Dish Music Festival

The Deep Dish Music Festival is a daylong invitational event that brings together high school and community college ensembles to celebrate and nurture their unique musical talents. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s 10th annual festival will take place on March 12, 2027, and will feature acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Jon Irabagon as the guest artist.

The festival includes:

  • Performances of high school and community college ensembles adjudicated by ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ faculty
  • Workshops led by Chicago music professionals on topics such as music technology, music business, and music theory specific to contemporary, jazz, and popular music
  • Master Classes with Jon Irabagon
  • A concert featuring ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½'s Jazz Ensemble directed by Scott Hall, the Fusion Ensemble directed by Bill Boris, and the R&B Ensemble: Showcase directed by Cassandra O’Neal performing with Jon Irabagon
  • And of course, plenty of Lou Malnati's pizza!

In April 2026, Irabagon was named a Guggenheim Fellow — one of 223 selected from nearly 5,000 applicants. His Guggenheim Fellowship recognizes him as a composer of singular voice. His 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition win recognizes him as an improviser and saxophonist of the highest caliber. Together, they make him the only jazz musician in history to hold both distinctions — elite on both sides of the art form. He is also a Downbeat Magazine Rising Star honoree for both alto and tenor saxophone, and a recipient of the Philippine Presidential Award, the highest civilian honor for overseas Filipinos.

  • Application and Fees

    Prices include participation in the day’s events, including adjudication of submissions, workshops, master class, all performances, and lunch.

    • 1 – 9 ensemble members: $200
    • 10 – 15 ensemble members: $300
    • 16 – 25 Ensemble Members: $400

    Some scholarships are available! Please indicate whether you'd like to be considered for a scholarship on your application.

  • About the School of Audio and Music at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½

    Students at the School of Audio and Music at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ have the opportunity to expand and refine their talents—whether in sound for film and games, songwriting and performance, or operating a mixing console—while earning a degree in a dynamic and creative environment.

    Learn more about audio and music at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

Friday, March 12, 2027
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Music Center 

 

  Questions? Contact andaniels@colum.edu   

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