Bassist and Vocalist Katie Ernst to Ignite MYAC’s Jazz in January
Internationally acclaimed artist to headline Midwest Young Artists Conservatory’s 2026 Jazz in January weekend.
Highwood, IL - December 2, 2025
As temperatures plummet outside, things heat up inside every January when Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) welcomes a distinguished guest artist for its Jazz in January weekend, to be held this year on January 24–25, 2026. MYAC is proud to announce that this year’s featured artist will be internationally acclaimed bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst.
MYAC Jazz Program Director, Drew Hansen, is thrilled to welcome Ms. Ernst this year, whose career has been on a rapid upward trajectory. Ernst is widely known as the co-leader of the adventurous Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, the folk-jazz duo Wayfaring, and the indie rock band Edith Judith. She has garnered significant critical praise for her Dorothy Parker poetry song cycle Little Words, which premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She is also a touring member of the indie folk band Iron & Wine. An active presence in Chicago’s jazz and improvised music scenes, Ernst performs regularly with the Alvin Cobb Jr. Trio, the Mike Conrad Trio, and John Raymond/S. Carey’s Shadowlands.
The Jazz in January program gives MYAC students the rare opportunity to play alongside accomplished professional musicians selected not only for their artistry but also for their commitment to mentoring the next generation. Drawing on her extensive national and international touring experience, Ernst will offer students invaluable insight into the life and craft of a working jazz musician. As a skilled educator, she communicates complex musical ideas with clarity, making advanced concepts accessible to players at all levels. Playing with artists of this caliber allows students to build real musical relationships with musicians performing at the level they aspire to reach. In the language of jazz, nothing is more impactful than making music together, and Ernst will do exactly that with MYAC’s combos and big bands.
Jazz in January Events
Saturday, January 24 — Rein Family Hall, MYAC Center
3:30 PM — Masterclass (Free)
7:30 PM — Combo Concert (Free)
Sunday, January 25 — Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia
2:00 PM — Big Band Concert (tickets)
In proud partnership with WDCB.