We're making jazz accessible to everyone by packing two days full of national, regional, and local acts as they share their love for jazz and its many iterations in a series of free concerts. You'll hear the sounds of swing, latin, soul, ragtime, and contemporary jazz to name a few.
Enjoy jazz’s long standing Mississippi legacy, trail-blazed by legends like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis alongside homegrown heroes like Bart Howard and Bix Beiderbecke, with the charming backdrop of Burlington's lively downtown district.
Participate in the first-ever Bart Howard Cabaret Cocktail Competition! Whether you're entering a cocktail to win or casting your vote, proceeds help cover the cost of local student jazz workshops.
In 1963, Gene Bredar, a National Bank officer, and Will Schnering, Chamber of Commerce manager, were brainstorming ways to revitalize Burlington, which was experiencing a downturn.
They suggested a music festival to showcase the city's historic links to the Mississippi River, and the name "Steamboat Days" was born. The Dixieland Jazz Festival was a later addition to the Steamboat Days event, further enhancing the festival's musical offerings and drawing in a diverse audience, with Louis Armstrong performing in 1964.
This festibal, taking place in the heart of downtown Burlington, allows attendees to enjoy the many venues, restaurants, bars, businesses, and people celebrating the uniquely American artform of jazz and the spirit of self-expression and improvisation through art, activities, special menu items, and more.
Help fully realize the festival's potential of supporting the local arts scene, booking culturally significant acts, and putting Burlington on the map while keeping the festival free! Any and all contributions matter. For more information on becoming a sponsor, reach out to jazz@btowncapitol.com.
The Capitol is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the performing arts and entertainment culture in Burlington, Iowa.
Proudly Supported By:
Stay up to date with what is happening at The Capitol. Provide an email address below to receive information on upcoming shows and our latest news!
Web Design & Hosting by Jolin Media © 2022. All Rights Reserved.