Leading the Selby Avenue JazzFest directly aligns with Walker West's mission and vision to build community through the African American musical experience — both on festival day and every day of the year.
“Walker West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music.”
— The Walker|West Mission
Launched on the historic Selby Corridor and produced by Walker West, the JazzFest is the Academy's mission in action — thousands of neighbors, all ages and backgrounds, coming together as one music-loving community.
Musicians of every age and skill level unite on festival grounds with the Selby Avenue Brass Band. No auditions, no barriers — just neighbors joining a shared groove, proving that the music belongs to everyone.
When the main stage closes, the community keeps playing. Hundreds gather inside Walker West for the official post-festival jam session, building connection through shared music-making that carries the weekend's energy long after the last note.
Grammy-winning mainstage acts such as Stokley perform alongside the Walker West Faculty X-tet, embodying the depth of the African American musical tradition — from seasoned pros to the next generation of working artists.
“To be a cultural destination and community resource, where exceptional music education and enrichment is affordable, accessible, and rooted in the African American experience.”
— The Walker|West Vision
Official festival masterclasses create a direct pipeline for national artists to mentor local students inside the Academy — connecting our young musicians with the biggest names in the genre, right here in Saint Paul.
Keeping JazzFest, masterclasses, and jam sessions free eliminates financial barriers for the entire Twin Cities community. Culture should never have a cover charge.
The JazzFest is one powerful weekend. Walker West is a 365-day community resource — rooted in Saint Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood, teaching, performing, and gathering all year.
Individual and group lessons in piano, brass, woodwinds, strings, voice, guitar, drums, and digital music production. From early childhood (ages 0–6) to youth, adults, and 55+ programs — plus award-winning ensembles like the Walker West Big Band, student Jazz Ensembles, and the Amazing Grace Chorus.
Explore ProgramsWalker West's Tuition Assistance Fund ensures high-quality music education stays financially accessible to every family in the Twin Cities — welcoming all students and their music, regardless of financial situation. New students are invited to a free trial lesson.
Register for LessonsThe flagship Rondo Community Music Series brings faculty, exceptional local musicians, and national names to 650 Marshall Avenue each month — alongside panel discussions and community conversations that celebrate and preserve our shared culture. Walker West is where the neighborhood gathers to listen, learn, and connect.
View LineupWalker West's state-of-the-art home in the historic Rondo neighborhood features acoustically treated studios, rehearsal rooms, and beautiful performance spaces — open Monday through Saturday. Come for a concert, a lesson, or a jam.
Visit with UsWhether you join the Flash Mob Band on festival morning, book a lesson, or grab a ticket to the next Rondo Community Music Series — Walker West has a place for you.
