Madison Reporter

The Madison Jazz Festival concluded on Saturday, June 14, with performances by several bands at the Memorial Union Terrace. The event featured Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, La Combi, and others, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to Lake Mendota. Organized by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Arts + Literature Laboratory, the festival included both free and ticketed events across Madison.

Isaiah Collier received recognition from the New York Times as "an heir apparent to both the Chicago lineage and the post-Coltrane sax tradition." His music combines spiritual jazz, cosmic improvisation, and social commentary into a unique experience.

The audience enjoyed performances against a lakefront backdrop as children danced to the rhythms of Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few. Joshua Wright, a University of Wisconsin alumnus and outreach specialist at the Carbone Cancer Center, was among those cheering during the performance.

Ayaan Khetarpal was seen spinning his sister Zoey Khetarpal around while dancing to the music. The day offered an opportunity for families to enjoy summer vibes with live jazz.

Taylor Wolfram captured moments from the festival in photographs that showcase attendees enjoying music under a setting sun.