The 35th Jazz in June concert series opens today with a 7 p.m. performance by Terell Stafford.
Hailed by piano legend McCoy Tyner as “one of the great players of our time,” Stafford is a fiery trumpet virtuoso with brilliant technique and an electrifying sound. He has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and been a leader of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. His collaborations span generations and blend jazz, classical and soul.
The free public concerts begin at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in June in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden, west of Sheldon Museum of Art. A market offers food and drinks from 5 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday. The concert series is produced by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with support from the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Jazz in June, which is Nebraska’s longest-running free concert series, will feature some of the top jazz artists in the region and nation throughout the month. Upcoming 2026 Jazz in June concerts are:
June 9: Tammy McCann, “The Legendary Ladies of Jazz: Ella, Sarah, Dinah and Billie” — This internationally acclaimed vocalist from Chicago brings a powerful, sultry and deeply expressive voice that blends classical technique, gospel soul and jazz storytelling. From Carnegie Hall to Jazz at Lincoln Center, and alongside legends like Ray Charles and Branford Marsalis, McCann has delivered performances that are as electrifying as they are unforgettable.
June 16: Jackie Allen and Hans Sturm — Jazz vocalist Allen brings world-class artistry with a hometown connection. Praised by Rolling Stone for her “four-hundred-dollar-a-bottle jazz,” her luminous voice has graced stages from The Blue Note to global festivals. Joined by her husband, acclaimed bassist Hans Sturm, Allen delivers performances of remarkable musicality, storytelling and chemistry.
June 23: Josh Hoyer and The Colossal 4 — Get ready for an evening of gritty, high-octane soul and blues that is equal parts Memphis, Motown and modern fire. Fresh off a win at the International Blues Challenge, The Colossal 4 brings a sound that is raw, authentic and impossible to resist. Led by Hoyer, the award-winning four-piece band includes Myles Jasnowski (guitar), Mike Keeling (bass) and Mike Rhian (drums). Inspired by the sounds of Stax, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New Orleans and San Francisco, the band continuously crosses musical boundaries in style and era.
June 30: Downtown Collective, “Night of Wonder: A Tribute to Stevie” — Celebrate the timeless genius of Stevie Wonder in this electrifying tribute from the Downtown Collective, a 12-piece Midwest band that is quickly making a name for itself. Fresh off its 2025 debut at the House of Blues Las Vegas, the group has performed with other top musicians at special events across the country. The finale concert will feature both note-for-note renditions and the band’s own spins on hits like “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and “I Wish.”
Each concert features two sets of music from 7 to 7:45 p.m. and 8 to 8:45 p.m., respectively, with a 15-minute intermission.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. While the performances are free, attendees are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $10 per family to help ensure the future of the program. Alcohol and pets are not permitted.
Individuals or organizations who would like to make financial contributions and/or serve as volunteers or board members are encouraged to contact Jazz in June at jazzinjune@unl.edu.
Reserved seating is available via the Lied Center for Performing Arts' website for $120 for all five concerts or $30 per show (fees included).
