Produced by GFAC for the past twenty-five years, this forty-four-year-old festival features performances by local, regional, and international jazz musicians. The atmosphere is completed by food, beverage and hard goods vendors.

2026 Flint Jazz Festival headliners, in order of appearance…

JEANETTE HARRIS
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Jeanette Harris is undoubtedly the Sax Queen of smooth jazz, boldly redefining the genre with her electrifying performances. Her dynamic stage presende and uplifting musical energy create an irresistible force that captivates audiences everywhere. Fans rave about her stunning cover of Stevie Wonder’s All I Do, a standout rrack that clumbed th Billboard smooth jazz chart from her acclaimed album Saxified.

With rigorous classical training in saxophone and piano from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, Jeanette Harris showcases a level of artistry that distinctly sets her apart in the smooth jazz genre. Her experience as the saxophonist for the legendary Teena Marie during her final year of touring is testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Jeanette’s influence extends beyond her solo work. She has collaborated with celebrated guitarist Norman Brown, and her work is prominently featured on the 2011 release Saxified. Her compositions for Gerald Albright and her performances at prominent jazz festivals and venues across the United States, Japan, Germany and London have solidified her as a force in the jazz community. Her latest album, Her Majesty, has become a fan favorite, illustrating her masterful fusion of popular covers and soulful originals.

ALEX BUGNON
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Jazz pianist Alex Bugnon has been a prolific, energetic force on the contemporary music scene for more than two decades. A renowned musician/composer/bandleader, Bugnon hales from the picturesque town of Montreux, Switzerland – site of the world famous Jazz Festival. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown and in his own home, of some of music’s most illustrious names played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career, as did his early friendship with Herbie Hancock. The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision.

Bugnon left Montreux to continue his training at a music conservatory in Paris before landing in Boston to further hone his skills at the famed Berklee School of Music. It was here in the U.S. that his exposure to a diversity of musical styles – from R&B to gospel and funk, began to shape and influence his personal sound. He toured the south playing with Gospel Leviticus and after graduation from Berklee, had the opportunity to play in bands backing R&B greats Patti Austin & James Ingram, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson and Keith Sweat. In between gigs he drove cabs and taught French at the Berlitz School as a means to support his musical career. But it would be his encounter with saxophonist Najee that would ultimately turn the tide for him. Signed to Orpheus Records, Najee would make the introduction that would result in Alex’s first recording contract.

Over these past few decades, Alex Bugnon has built a strong and loyal fan base across the country and around the world. His tour schedule has never eased, even besting the great Dizzy Gillespie’s record of appearances at Washington, D.C.’s Blues Alley. He makes it a point of never missing a day of piano practice or of writing. If he is not composing, he is listening to his favorite artists and biggest influences: Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Red Garland, Kenny Kirkland, Mulgrew Miller and Keith Jarrett.

Alex makes his home in the historic village of Harlem, New York, and maintains his connection to his beloved Montreux.

August 1, Saturday
1:00  One Love Reggae Band
2:30  Sherwood Pea
4:00  Brandon Fitzpatrick & The Element
5:30  Jeanette Harris
7:00  Alex Bugnon

August 2, Sunday
2:30  Cherrise Bradley
4:00  Peoples Jazz Band
5:30  Herb McGowan Quartet
7:00  ONA (Gayelynn McKinney, Laura-Simone, Sequoia “Redwood” Snyder)