International Jazz Day 2026 in Columbus was one for the books! A Tribe for Jazz was proud to bring together artists, students, and jazz enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration. The Columbus Museum of Art was filled to capacity as the community came together to honor the power, creativity, and global impact of jazz.

At the Columbus Museum of Art, it was bigger than a performance—it was a full community moment. Milena Casado led a standout group: Lex Korten (piano),Gervis Myles (bass), Morgan Guerin (drums). Hosted by Rodney Dunigan from WSYX-6, the night also featured voices shaping Columbus’ cultural landscape, including Currecia Gamble, Orange Barrel Media and Dr. Parisa Ahmadi, Frank W. Hale Center. The program portion concluded with Stephen Braunginn, Strictly Jazz Sounds, alongside Executive Director, Stephanie Matthews presenting the 2026 Jazz Journalist Association Jazz Hero Columbus Award to Dr. Jack Marchbanks.

When artists and community show up together like this—you can feel it.