Now's the Time: Kurt Rosenwinkel

As Joe Klopus notes in his excellent preview of the event, Kurt Rosenwinkel performs at the 36th Annual KU Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 2.  The acclaimed guitarist has become one of the most distinctive figures in jazz during the past decade.

Now's the Time: Alex Sipiagin

A high school stage may lack the allure of an outdoor concert at the Newport Jazz Festival. And Dan Gailey's students at the University of Kansas are probably not yet at the level of the musicians in the Dave Holland Big Band. Even so, guest artist Alex Sipiagin will undoubtedly shine as he performs with the KU Jazz Ensemble I at the 35th Annual KU Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 3, at Lawrence High School Auditorium. Donny McCaslin appears at the festival on Friday. Both concerts are free.