KUSD Jazz Festival To Feature Phat Phunktion, Student Ensembles And Guest Musicians Nov. 5–7

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KENOSHA, Wis. — A Bradford High School alumnus will return to Kenosha with his nine-piece funk, R&B and soul band as the Kenosha Unified School District presents its 2026 Jazz Festival weekend Nov. 5–7 at Tremper High School, 8560 26th Ave.

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The district, working in collaboration with Dave Sturino of Hansen’s Pool and Spa, will offer three days of concerts, student performances and educational opportunities. A donation from Hansen’s Pool and Spa is making this year’s festival possible.

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The weekend will open Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by Phat Phunktion, the Madison-based band founded by Bradford alumnus Al Falaschi, a saxophonist and songwriter. General admission tickets are $10.

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Student performance sessions with guest artists and clinicians will take place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Members of the public are welcome to attend those activities as well as the evening concerts.

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The festival will conclude Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. with the annual Jazz Festival concert featuring all KUSD jazz ensembles. Special guests will include Falaschi on saxophone, Jon Schipper on trumpet and Nick Moran on bass.

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Reserved seats for Saturday’s concert are $10, with a limit of three tickets per person. The performance will also be streamed free on the KUSD YouTube channel.

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Participating schools include Bradford High School, Harborside Academy, Indian Trail High School and Academy, Tremper High School, Mahone Middle School, Lance Middle School, Bullen Middle School, Washington Middle School and LakeView K-8.

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Tickets for both evening concerts are available through the tickets page on KUSD’s website. For additional information, contact Scott Plank, the district’s coordinator of fine arts, at [email protected] or 262-359-6388.

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Author

Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.

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One Response

Chuck Mangione says:

October 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM

Can they compete w/ SNARKY PUPPY??

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