Yellowjackets to kick off 36th Purdue Jazz Festival

Yellowjackets - 36th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival

January 17, 2026 Julia Moran

For the past 43 years, Yellowjackets has built a reputation as one of jazz’s most influential groups. Through sold-out tours, critical and commercial success, and numerous lineup changes, the powerhouse trio’s career spans 26 albums and 16 Grammy® nominations. On January 23, they’re set to perform for thousands of high school musicians and jazz enjoyers on Purdue’s campus in the annual Jazz Festival.

While they began in the late 1970s as Robben Ford’s backing band, the trio evolved into the group known today. Yellowjackets is currently comprised of Russell Ferrante (piano & synthesizer), Bob Mintzer (woodwinds & EWI), Will Kennedy (drums), and Dane Alderson (bass). Through their lineup changes, the group’s sound remains fresh and invigorated through musical innovation.

Member Profiles

Russell Ferrante (1977-present): as one of the earliest members of the group, Ferrante’s musical influence makes its mark. As a San Francisco Bay Area native, he counts the area’s musical diversity of the 1970’s as stylistic inspiration.

Bob Mintzer (1991-present): a player of many instruments, Mintzer specializes in woodwinds. Although he initially found a love of music through piano, he has consistently played saxophone and clarinet in bands since the 1980s.

Will Kennedy (1987-1999, 2010-present): Kennedy serves as the inspiration in the group’s music. Through performances with Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Bobby McFerrin, and more, his connection to the music industry brings fresh ideas to Yellowjackets’ sound.

Dane Alderson (2015-present): the Australia native regularly records, tours, and plays festivals with acclaimed musicians. Alderson’s experiences in different bands and orchestras display his musical versatility.

Purdue Jazz Festival

Jazz bands across the Midwest gather for Purdue’s Jazz Festival annually. This three-day event hosts over 100 high schools in competition. This festival begins January 22 with the Community Jazz Showcase at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Lafayette. Next, Yellowjackets perform the following day in Loeb Playhouse. To conclude the festival, middle and high school jazz ensembles compete at Purdue’s campus on January 24. Lectures and demonstrations are available to students throughout the festival day, which will be hosted by Guest Artists and Clinicians.