The 25th Annual Bill Evans Jazz Festival returns to Downtown Hammond this week, marking its third year in the district. Last year, we spoke with Michael Brothers about the festival’s continued growth. Now, Brothers has officially retired, passing the event into the hands of two incredibly capable leaders.

Brina Faciane (Director of the Bill Evans Jazz Festival and Instructor of Saxophone) and Michael Martinez (Instructor of Jazz Studies) are leading this milestone 25th year, bringing new energy while continuing the strong foundation already in place.
Faciane has been teaching at Southeastern Louisiana University for 10 years. While her primary focus is saxophone, she also teaches music theory and music appreciation. Now stepping into the role of co-director, she’s excited to help guide the festival forward. Having started at SLU alongside Brothers in 2016, she’s grateful to still be able to lean on him for guidance. A local who has long appreciated the Bill Evans Jazz Festival, Faciane has always valued the involvement of the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education (LAJE). Brothers selected her for this role because of her dedication and attention to detail.

Martinez joined SLU in 2023 as a graduate student and graduated in May 2025, just as Brothers retired. Brothers recommended Martinez to step into his role in Jazz Studies and co-direct the festival alongside Faciane. Now in his new position, Martinez sees real value in the transition from student to instructor. His familiarity with the program has helped him quickly build trust with students while earning respect from faculty. Still, he was surprised to be chosen. As he puts it, the role Brothers held was so significant that it felt like it would take multiple people to fill. Martinez says he feels incredibly fortunate.

Both directors share a deep appreciation for Bill Evans and his legacy. Martinez notes that it’s impossible to love jazz without understanding Evans’ impact, especially his role in shaping the sound of jazz in the 1950s and 60s. As an SLU alumnus, that connection feels even more meaningful. Faciane recalls that the first CD she ever purchased was Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue, featuring Evans on piano. It remains one of the most influential albums in her life and one her students continue to study today. For both, Evans is a figure worthy of continued celebration.

Looking ahead, Martinez and Faciane are focused on maintaining the festival’s momentum. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Faciane understands the importance of introducing young people to jazz and fostering a lasting appreciation for the arts. LAJE plays a central role in that mission. By placing students at the heart of the festival, they’re helping cultivate the next generation of musicians and supporters of the arts. There’s also something special about bringing together alumni, current students, and guest artists to create music together. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact.

They’re also already thinking ahead. Their goal is simple: when this year’s festival ends, they want to be just as excited to begin planning for 2027.

This year’s guest artist is pianist Michael Wolff, a fitting choice for the festival’s 25th year. Like Evans, Wolff is a celebrated pianist and has performed alongside many legends of jazz, including Evans himself. The festival continues to grow, now recognized as the largest collegiate jazz festival on the Gulf Coast, featuring around 600 student performers from 30 schools across three states.

For Faciane, one of the highlights is welcoming students into the Columbia Theatre throughout the week, Wednesday through Saturday. It’s a space she has long appreciated and is excited for others to experience. Martinez will be both performing and directing four of the five concerts, but he’s especially looking forward to Wednesday night, when he can step back and experience the performances as an audience member. For both, the connection between music and the human experience remains at the core of it all.

It’s an honor to host the Bill Evans Jazz Festival in Downtown Hammond at the Columbia Theatre. In the 1990s, downtown looked very different, with few businesses and the Columbia nearly facing demolition. Thanks to dedicated community members like Marguerite Walter, the theatre was preserved and has since become a cornerstone of the arts in Hammond. Today, LAJE participants and SLU students have the opportunity to perform in a beautiful, historic venue while experiencing a thriving downtown.

With multiple free concerts offered throughout the week, this is an opportunity to experience something truly special.

Monday, April 13, 2026
University Jazz Lab Band Concert, 7:30 PM
Pottle Annex Recital Hall (Free)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
University Jazz Combo Concert, 7:30 PM
Pottle Annex Recital Hall (Free)
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – LAJE State Jazz Festival Day 1
Student Performances: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 – 4:30 PM
University Jazz Ensemble Open Rehearsal w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 12:30 – 2:15 PM
Alumni Jazz Ensemble Concert: 7:30 PM (Ticket Required)
Columbia Theatre (Hainkel Hall)
Thursday, April 16, 2026 – LAJE State Jazz Festival Day 2
Student Performances: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Clinic w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Columbia Theatre (Hainkel Hall & Studio Theatre, Free)
Friday, April 17, 2026 – LAJE State Jazz Festival Day 3
Student Performances: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Clinic w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Faculty Jazz Concert w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 7:30 PM (Ticket Required)
Columbia Theatre (Hainkel Hall & Studio Theatre)
Saturday, April 18, 2026 – LAJE State Jazz Festival Day 4
Student Performances: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Clinic w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 12:15 – 1:15 PM
University Jazz Ensemble Concert w/ Guest Artist Michael Wolff: 7:30 PM (Free)
Columbia Theatre (Hainkel Hall & Studio Theatre)

The 25th Annual Bill Evans Jazz Festival Returns to Downtown Hammond This Week

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