My wife and I have attended music festivals in much of the USA and not one can compare to the Sun Valley Jazz & Music festival in the way donors are organized, recognized from the stage by the musicians they choose to support, treated at the festival as partners, and just waiting to support the next year‘s festival, even before the last note is played in the Grand Finale featuring almost every musician at the festival. 363 days before the next 2023 Festival we have already pledged our support and are planning our travels to Sun Valley. Jeff and Carol Loehr and their entire team are the best organizers, hosts, and simply lovable people ever!!
My parents attended the Sun Valley Jazz Festival from its early years and for many years after we moved near them, they invited my husband and I to attend. There always seemed to be a reason to not go until 2008. We came we saw, and we were conquered. Before we had left the festival my husband and I had not only scheduled to attend the following year we had signed up to be sponsors. We have been Jazz Festival sponsors ever since. The Bands, the music, the people, the volunteers, the location bring us back year after year. We shared the festival time with our parents until 2013 when my father died. This did not stop my mother from continuing to attend the festival for several more years. Plus, we have also been joined by other members of our family several years. We have made friends that we keep in touch with as a result of meeting at the Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival. A provision was made in my parent's estate to gift the educational outreach of the Sun Valley Jazz Festival. Jeff and Carol found a very deserving young artist to support with this gift and we have enjoyed watching his growth over the last several years.
We applaud Jeff and Carol and their team for keeping Jazz alive and supporting young artists. The volunteers who help at the festival are wonderful and very important to a smooth-running event.
We first discovered the festival accidentally in 1993, after moving to Idaho earlier in the year. We were taking a Sunday drive in October to see the colors, and in Ketchum we noticed banners spanning Main Street about the Sun Valley Swingin’ Dixie and Jazz Jamboree (or something like that). Curious, we drove up to Sun Valley and wandered into the Sun Valley Inn where a gospel set was in progress. We poked our heads in the door; we didn’t have tickets, but a kind volunteer allowed us to stand and listen for a few minutes. We were hooked! We’ve been regulars ever since, as participants, volunteers, and, since 2004, as site captains and managers, interrupted for a few years by health issues, and Covid. It has been a great ride, with changes over the years, and hopefully will be a source of joy for many years to come.
A wonderful festival! The musicians are incredibly talented and engaging. The mix of music types is amazing--many types of jazz, plus zydeco, old-time country, and more. Then there are other programs like silent movies, banjo-mania, and profiles of famous musicians. The staff and volunteers are so friendly and helpful. It's truly an outstanding event!
My wife and I have attended numerous Festivals in the past. This time, we could not. It would have been difficult for us, but we were going to try. We wanted to attend at least one session on Sunday but were told we could not.
Only tickets to the whole Festival were being sold
We got involved the second year of the festival nd have attended and supported every year. Music has been a large part of our family history. Phil's uncle was the only music teacher for many years in rural northern Idaho and he knew all of the local musicians. this festival was always a great place for us to re-connect with family and share our enjoyment of a truly American style of music. Kudos to Jeff and Carol for their hard work in continuing the tradition and keeping the music alive.
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American Jazz is truly an American Genre of music with deep roots going back more than 100 years. The artists who share their talents do not receive recognition like rappers or pop stars do, which is a real shame. Kudos to the Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival for their hard work to keep this style of music alive. We must keep the public aware of this culture. The best way is through festivals, small music parties and word of mouth.
I cannot say enough good things about this festival! From the venue to the abundance of music at the Sun Valley resort, from the staff to the other happy patrons, this festival is by far, the best one I have ever attended! Thank you Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival for creating such amazing memories for all of us!
My husband Jerry and I have been attending the Sun Valley Jazz Festival and related events since 2009. We look forward to going every year. We love the variety of music and the amazing musicians. Every set provides an opportunity to learn more - about the music, its history and the musicians. Getting to know the artists personally adds to the experience. When the festival had to be canceled this year, directors Jeff and Carol Loehr held a much scaled down event at their home. It was a musical love fest.
The Directors, Jeff and Carol Loehr, did an amazing job both as organizers and as heads of a family that graciously lent their home to sponsors of the SVJ and Music Festival. They successfully brought together some of the best jazz and musical talent in the west to create an exceptional potpourri of classic jazz of the 20's and 30's with stellar performances by a mix of solos, trios, quartets, and small bands. Jeff and Carol thru hard work, dedication and the love of jazz have worked to secure the future of an essential part of the american musical repertoire. We are extremely proud and grateful to be able to participate in this amazing endeavor with Jeff and Carol.
Lee and Lauren Rowe
Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival is the tops! Jeff and Carol do a terrific job of bringing this wonderful music, the basis of all the current genres, to grateful ears.
We have been going to the Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival for over 20 years. It is always well organized and well chosen musicians. We have also been working as Volunteers for over 12 years and find it a great organization to volunteer for.
The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival is a very important vehicle for the preservation of and the performing of one of America's original art forms, jazz. The organization is dedicated to keeping this music alive and offers a wonderful place for some of the world's best traditional jazz musicians to gather and share their passion with very appreciative audiences. The tradition of excellence is kept alive by this great non-profit organization.
The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival is the event my husband and I look most forward to all year. Jeff and Carol Loehr do an exceptional job organizing the event, find incredible talent and negotiate for wonderful venues at the Sun Valley Resort.
The festival takes place for 5 days in mid-October, and commonly fills 7 to 8 venues from 9:30 in the morning to midnight. More than 30 bands play. All this is provided for a very reasonable entrance fee, thanks in part to the people who donate to the festival, sponsor artists and special sessions, and to Jeff and Carol's careful attention to detail.
Prior to attending this long-running event for the first time about 10 years ago, I was talking to an individual about various jazz and music festivals. He had been to nearly all the festivals in the West. He encouraged us to give Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival a try, since he thought of it as the "Cadillac" of festivals, the very best one. We attended and found his assessment to be true. Since then we have influenced many friends to travel to Sun Valley from their homes in California and Florida, and they enjoy the festival as much as we do, returning nearly every year as we have.
Overall, it is hard to provide sufficient superlatives when describing the Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival. It is a wonderful, wonderful event.
Isn't there more stars available?
A smaller group of participants and musicians due to covid-19 but full of enthusiasm by both performers and audience.
Great organization promoting Jazz.
I am an Idaho native and have enjoyed the beauty and ambience of Sun Valley, Idaho my entire life. Having attended many jazz festivals over the years, I signed up as a volunteer for the first time in 2019. What a grand experience! The Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree is one of the finest presentations with world-class musicians, excellent accommodations, a beautiful historical setting and recreational opportunities galore. Come join us for memories of a lifetime!
We were all saddened by the cancellation of the annual Sun Valley Jazz and Music festival this year because of COVID-19. The tradition of bringing quality musicians and entertainers to Sun Valley the third week of October has warmed our hearts for over 30 years. Faithful lovers of Big Band sounds and "Oldies but Goodies" create a sense of family regardless of other criteria that might divide us. It is a family reunion that is unparalleled with toe-tapping music, great food, fellowship and lasting friendships for all ages. We can't wait for the October 2021 celebration!
My wife and I went to our first Sun Valley Jazz Festival in 2001, immediately following the 9/11 twin towers terrorist attack. We were blessed to experience this great music with so many musicians and performers including the SwingDesign band from the Netherlands. When they performed the salute to our nation, everyone was filled with an outpouring of American Pride and many tears flowed from their tribute. From that year until this October we haven't missed being a part of this great American Music Jamboree. We find such a wonderful experience to be with people from all over the United States enjoying one another, without any of the political sounds to divide and disrupt. Thanks go out to the creators of this great American Music forum that brings us all together annually. The music performed here heals many hearts and builds great friendships. Looking forward to 2021 to be together with friends and all of the talented musicians and performers.
The Sun Valley Jazz Festival is a very special event. It is a wonderful event that keeps us connected to jazz of the past as well as current jazz, the talented musicians young and older, music lovers from all over the USA and even folks from out of the country. We have been attending for 30 of 31 years hearing the music we love and seeing people who have become good friends. A wonderful opportunity for young folks to have a unique opportunity to play before an appreciative audience.
I have attended the Sun Valley jazz festival in Sun ValleyIdaho a number of times but last year I volunteerEd and had the best time! It’s a four day commitment and then you have access to all the venues all the people all the volunteers the musicians it’s amazing! It is one of the most organized venues I have ever been to. They have thought of every detail from food transportation to sitting dance floors it’s amazing! Everyone was very disappointed when we had to cancel this year but we are already talking about next year’s event! I am already looking forward to being a part of it.
The Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree brings life to music and music to life. By offering live bands that play music that is loved by so many it creates an amazing diverse and cohesive community. There are so many older fans, many in their 90's, that become visibly younger while listening to the music they loved as teens. There are so many younger fans, high school, college and swing devotee's in their 30's that really get to experience the music rising out of the Great Depression, the African Americian Experience, the wartime, and even the 60's. Music is the universal language and dance is it's expression. It unifies generations, race, gender and class. Thirty years ago as a young man I remember dancing with an elegant lady in her 80's who impressed me with her grace and joy. Last year as an older man, I had the joy of dancing with my pre-teen granddaughter who learned to love the joy of dancing together to great music.
I've attended 18 Sun Valley Jazz Jamborees. Each one was exceptional. The quality of the music, the venues, the fabulous volunteers and of course Jeff & Carol Loehrs' dedication in putting it all together is unsurpassed. There are so many venues to choose from and a great variety of music. It always feels like a big 'music family' reunion. We see friends who share the same passion for music and dancing. The Jamboree is my favorite week of the year. We attend other music festivals throughout the year but the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree is hands down our favorite.
This is a very well-run operation that creates an outstanding annual music festival, complete with many opportunities for expanding your horizons about different types of music through their excellent selection of bands. Their strong leadership, volunteers, inclusion of local high schools, and treatment of the musicians are unparalleled!
Hello, I've been involved with the sun Valley jazz festival for over 25 years. the last 10 years I have chaperoned our current Miss Idaho(Miss America) contests as she hosted the festival. it is such a rewarding function. it enables fine musician and our older and younger community to par take in a wealth of music. All of the Miss Idaho contestants have named this appearance to be one of their top three.
it is so important to keep this genre of music alive and well.... Keep jazzin
Our volunteer work at the Sun Valley Jazz Festival is always a highlight of our year. We travel the world around 8 months of the year and are so proud that our little home state of Idaho provides such an outstanding experience that easily matches other worldwide events and venues. The SVJF is always a very high quality experience in every way...music, organization, facilities, reasonable cost, beautiful venues, gorgeous surrounding area, professionalism, friendliness, fun, romance, etc. etc. etc. The organizers, especially Sonne, the Volunteer Mgr., makes our work a very enjoyable experience. We especially appreciate her efforts to schedule our work times convenient to our personal desires and needs. Patrons frequently comment how volunteers really enjoy their service and also ask us how they can become volunteers themselves. This event, and the opportunity to volunteer, is one of Idaho's nicest secrets, and usually takes people very pleasantly by surprise when they discover it. I wish somehow we could publicize it even more, because those who finally discover it usually return again and again. A major discovery of ours that causes us to never miss it is that the music is not just jazz alone, but also includes big band, gospel, R & B, Rock & Roll, Country, Classical, blue grass, etc....plus, dancing venues and lessons. We are in our 70's, nearing our Golden Anniversary, and fall in love again each time we go! Dick and Lawana Johnson
The best 5 days of the year are in October at the Sun Valley Jazz Festival! My husband and I have attended since 2000. We have been volunteers for 4 years.The organizers treat the volunteers like "gold".They consider your wishes when making out schedules and appreciate you being there. We enjoy being part of this friendly atmosphere. The organization of the venues and free transportation is all very well done. The music is wonderful and varied with great talent from the young musicians to the more seasoned. The musicians enjoy performing in this beautiful setting for people who LOVE the music. Standing ovations are many to let the performers know they are appreciated. We look forward to this event every year! We always come away feeling upbeat and happy. As we drive back to Colorado we have many CD's to relive the music that ended too soon. Nettie & Bruce
My first exposure to the Sun Valley Jazz Festival was in 1995; in 1997 I began volunteering and haven't missed a festival. Being a volunteer gives you an all inclusive feeling. Besides being helpful to the attendees and enjoying wonderful music, we are constantly being thanked for our help and appreciated by the Founders' family, the musicians, other volunteers and, most outwardly, by the volunteer coordinator, who does everything in her power to maintain a smooth working volunteer experience. Sun Valley is a beautiful setting, and the towns people are welcoming and friendly. This American- born jazz music is on the decline so the importance of this festival is one of awareness, promotion, and survival. In the last few years we have seen more young people participating in and enjoying the jazz at the Jamboree.
A few years ago my husband and our friends came to the SunValley Jazz. We experience one of the most enjoyable days of music in a beautiful surroundings . We were greeted by volunteers that made us feel they were really happy to be a part of the festival. We talked about it and decided we wanted to become part of the family of volunteers . We joined about 5 years ago. What a great experience. Each year we meet new friends, the music continues to be outstanding and the sponsors fantastic. This year I was given the honor of becoming site manager for the IceRink. I had one of the greatest group of volunteers making my job fun. Thank you directors and fellow volunteers for making 5 days in October a time we look forward to and plan for the rest of the year. Special thanks to Carol,Jeff and Sonnie. If you haven't met them you're missing a great experience
The Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree is one of the most heart-warming events I’ve become involved with. The music is varied enough to appeal to almost every music lover. The Jamboree is not restricted to merely jazz music, it includes dance classes and competitions, movie day, vocal class, and other fun activities. The venues are well-thought out and easily accessed. The musicians are the best of the best and are very accessible to patrons; their love of music shows throughout their sessions and their planned or unplanned jam sessions. The volunteers are a happy, friendly FAMILY, with the Festival Directors and super-friendly Volunteer Coordinator as the family head. The managers of each area of the festival quickly become friends. I first became involved with the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree to spend time with a friend who had moved to the East Coast, but became part of the family after just one year. I would greatly miss this event should I ever be unable to attend.
This was my first year of being a volunteer at the Sun Valley venue for the Jazz Jamboree. It is so refreshing to volunteer for an event that everyone comes out of the performances smiling and happy. The feedback after each performance was always positive and "upbeat". The talent and professionalism of the groups that perform is second to none! The variety of bands chosen gives the guest an opportunity to experience different styles of jazz. The food at the venues is delicious and reasonable and the venues are easy to go from one to the other. I hope to be involved with this Jazz Jamboree for many years to come. This is one jazz event not to be missed!!! Nancy Mihalic
My wife and I have been much involved in the Sun valley Jazz Jamboree for the past decade as Site Managers of one of the largest venues. We have the fun of enlisting many of our friends to help us and have become our extended family. The musical talent that comes together every October is just amazing. When we look at the impact the SVJJ Jamboree is having on both young and old, we are renewed each year and reminded of how fortunate we are to have this a part of our Community. Lynn & Sharon Bockemohle
We have attended the Sun Valley Jamboree for the last 11 years and it is without exception our favorite event. The bands are supurb as is the setting with all its venues. They do a great job of integrating the Sun Valley and vicinity comunity into the event. For many young musicans and their bands it is wonderful to see them develop and prosper. It is such a pleasure to be part of large gathering with such polite and caring people. Zane and Betty Smith, Springfield, OR
Although it was my first year at the Jamboree, I did one thing absolutely right, attending with two jazz lovers who'd been to the Jamboree since its first years of creation. It is so obvious that the performers are world-class musicians. Being around so many people who appreciate good music is an awe-inspiring experience. Many times so poignant I was close to tears. I'm a journalist and good with words, yet am at a loss trying to describe the feeling present during that week. I'll give it a weak shot: Camaraderie, spirit, a common beauty, soul. My only regret is that I've missed so many years in the past, not understanding what Sun Valley's got going that last week of October. I'm now a jazz convert, something I'll share with my siblings, children, grandchildren and friends. Huge bravos to those who worked so hard to put this together! http://appetiteforidaho.blogspot.com/2012/11/sun-valley-music-in-mountains.html ---Look, you even inspired a blog. Loved every minute, can't thank you enough. ~Amy Larson
Great people putting on an outstanding festival in a wondrous setting. We have gone for 5 years and it is always one of the best events of the year. The SVJJ goes to great effort to promote jazz with younger generations and it is evident each year as new groups come to the festival. They also go into the community and work with the schools and churches to promote jazz. A great combination of entertainment and doing good.
If you enjoy a wide variety of musical experiences (solo piano, dynamic 2 to 9 member musical groups from all over the US plus a hilarious banjo & washtub & musical show) then you need to schedule the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree for the third week of October in Sun Valley, Idaho. You can listen to outstanding professionals (30 groups plus) from your comfortable seat while gazing out massive windows at a ski mountain of fall colors or snow--a yearly surprise! Free shuttle buses deliver you between lodge locations plus stroll the pond-flower-small boutique walkways between the SV Inn and SV Lodge. Don't forget to get your popcorn at the Opera House before sitting for Old Time movies on Tuesday and musical groups Wed-Sunday. ..... We have volunteered for 5 years and meet SO many wonderful people from all provinces of Canada and every state in the USA. It is a week to tap your feet, burn up the dance floors and grin from ear to ear. DON'T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE. Sonnie
I stumbled into this wonderful event 9 years ago. 8 years ago I became an annual volunteer. About 6 years ago I became a full-time properties manager of this event. I am still a volunteer and spend most of my life each year dedicated to assisting in making sure EVERYONE knows of this event. The variety of jazz form as well as the great bands in one of the most beautiful natural settings (Sun Valley) make this Jazz Festival the best in the country! You must come to see the Jazz Festival that is ours and not theirs. This, folks, is a guarantee of the best time you will ever have in this life time.
My hubby and I have volunteered at this event twice after attending 3 times. It is a wonderful organization dedicated to preserving an original American artform. The folks in charge are the daughter, son-in-law and widow of the founder and have done everything right to keep this wonderful festival going.