Get ready to groove! The Highland Area Partnership is thrilled to
announce the date, music lineup, and poster contest winner for the 22nd Annual Highland
Jazz and Blues Festival presented by Live! Casino & Hotel. This year’s festival is scheduled
for Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Columbia Park located in Shreveport’s Historic Highland
Neighborhood. The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival showcases memorable musical
performances on three stages and features a children’s area, pet area, artisans, food trucks,
and more. The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is FREE for the public to attend.
This year’s fun and funky festival packs a powerful punch with the music lineup! Headlining
the 22nd Annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is Dumpstaphunk. For nearly two decades,
Dumpstaphunk has carved out its place as a cornerstone of New Orleans music, earning a
reputation as a next-generation funk institution rooted in the legacy of the Neville family and
The Meters. Their electrifying live performances have attracted guest appearances from
legends like Carlos Santana, Bob Weir, George Clinton, Dave Matthews, and members of Phish,
with notable milestones such as opening for the Rolling Stones in New Orleans and touring
with the Dave Matthews Band. They’re comin to put it in tha dumpsta! Don’t miss it!
In addition to Dumpstaphunk, the main Pavilion Stage will feature a fantastic lineup, including
The Good Dudes, Sweet Magnolia, the Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble, and a special
tribute to Buddy Flett with surprise guests. Over at the Gazebo Stage, festival-goers can
enjoy performances by the Bossier City Big Band, River City Groove, Snake Doctors, The
Eric Craig Band, and Loose Association.
The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is excited to bring back the Inspiration Stage this year. It
will also showcase performances by aspiring musicians from local schools including the
Bossier Parish Schools Talented Arts Program, Caddo Parish Schools Talented Arts
Program, and North Desoto Middle School Jazz Band. This stage will also include an
interactive, educational, and fun performance from Lady Chops, Northeast Louisiana Arts
Council 2024 Performing Artist of the Year and former Off-Broadway “STOMP” cast member.
In addition to the music, throughout the park there will be more than 70 food and artisan
vendors, a Children’s Area with hands-on art activities from local nonprofits, and a Pet Area
area for furry friends. A FREE shuttle service will run continuously during the day.
Merchandise and official poster sales will be located next to the Pavilion Stage.
The Highland Area Partnership conducted the official poster design contest for juniors and
seniors in Caddo, Bossier, and Desoto Parishes. This year, the organization received 26
submissions from across all three parishes. The submissions were juried by local artists and
cultural bearers with the winner chosen solely on the artwork. The artist chosen is Sara
Villarrial, BPSTIL Graphic Arts Student from Haughton High School. “Sara is an amazing
student who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. I have been
especially impressed by her artistic ability and her willingness to adapt to different art styles
and creative challenges. She approaches each project with thoughtfulness and creativity, and
she always follows through with strong execution,” said Kyle Hadley, BPSTIL Graphic Arts
Teacher. “Her poster artwork was especially impressive in the way everything came together
so cohesively. Throughout the process, we created mood boards and had several
brainstorming conversations to help develop the overall direction and flow of the piece. The
colors and elements she chose worked beautifully together, resulting in a truly unique and
visually striking composition. I couldn’t be more proud of the work she created, and I’m so
glad she had the opportunity to be part of this experience.” The Highland Area Partnership
presented Villarrial with $500.00 for her work on the official poster.
“The board of directors and myself are super stoked for the lineup this year, especially
Dumpstaphunk,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Executive Director. “We absolutely love the
poster created by the student, Sara Villarrial, because it captures not only our festival but our
community vibe.” When asked about the passing of festival friend, Grammy-nominated
musician, Buddy Flett, Holtzclaw answered “Buddy was a dear friend and he never missed a
chance to play our festival. Out of the 21 years, he only missed one. He can not be replaced.
We will pivot and ensure that in his opening slot we have surprise guests performing a tribute
set in his honor.”
More information about the festival weekend activities can be found at
www.highlandjazzandblues.org.