WTJU Jazz Marathon Celebrates Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Today's Live Jazz
Sept 28 - Oct 4 pledge drive pairs deep musical exploration with a call for essential listener support
WTJU 91.1 FM will devote a full week to jazz and blues during its 2026 Jazz Marathon, airing September 28 - October 4. This year's marathon deeply explores the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in the year both artists would have turned 100, alongside seven live concert broadcasts featuring jazz & blues musicians from our region.
Across seven days of special programming, WTJU's jazz and blues hosts will immerse listeners in the music and legacies of Davis and Coltrane - two legendary artists whose creativity shaped modern music. The marathon will celebrate their landmark recordings, their artistic evolution, and the influence their music continues to exert.
WTJU will also honor the life of Dave Rogers, aka Professor Bebop, who brought his passion, brilliance and inimitable style to WTJU's airwaves for half a century.
Jazz is a living, breathing art form. Each night at 8 p.m., WTJU will turn its attention to music being made in our community right now. The seven-concert lineup includes John D'earth & Will Evans,Paulien, Corey Harris, Jeff Massanari, Sharel Cassity, Greg Weaver's Limit Break 4, and Ryan Snow's Electric Band.
"Jazz is special music. It has intimacy and immediacy. It can elicit staggering emotions. It teaches us to improvise," said Nathan Moore, WTJU general manager. "The Jazz Marathon lets us explore this music with the depth it deserves while amplifying talented artists making music today. Listener support is what makes it all possible."
That support is especially important this year. WTJU lost federal funding in 2025 and is now entering its second year with no federal support. Donations from listeners helped keep the station on the air after that loss, but the need did not disappear. Contributions during Jazz Marathon sustain the people, technology, and day-to-day operations that allow WTJU to share free access to adventurous, locally-rooted music programs.
The 2026 Jazz Marathon will air on 91.1 FM and at WTJU.net from September 28 - October 4. Listeners can check out the full schedule and make a donation at WTJU.net/jazz2026. WTJU also encourages listeners to consider monthly giving, which provides more stable and predictable support throughout the year.
About WTJU
WTJU 91.1 FM is the University of Virginia's listener-supported community radio station. For nearly 70 years, WTJU has served listeners through music, arts, education and human connection. Learn more, listen live, and support the station at WTJU.net.