Big Picture hosts 2nd Annual Highland Jazz Cabaret March 6

February 20, 2026  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Harwood musicians perform with professional jazz players at the 2025 Highland Jazz Cabaret in April 2025. Photo by Birtu Lindert-Boyes

The Harwood Union High School Music Program is prepping for its second annual Highland Jazz Cabaret on March 6 at the Big Picture Cafe in Waitsfield.

The theater will transform into an intimate jazz club setting for the evening with music starting at 6 p.m. 

Poster courtesy of Harwood Union High School Music Program

The program features the Harwood Jazz Ensemble performing alongside some of Vermont's best jazz musicians, including Ira Friedman on piano, Matt Avery on trombone, guitarist Greg Matses, Evan Crandell playing saxophones, Kevin Avery on trumpet and Andrew Palumbo on percussion.

The band will play selections by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Ani DiFranco, Eddie Pamieri, Norah Jones, Astrud Gilberto, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more.

All proceeds from the show will benefit Harwood's private music lesson program and scholarship fund. Student musicians take instrument lessons as part of their curriculum. 

The show is coming together after its success last year with a cabaret performance held at Harwood. This year’s plan to hold it at The Big Picture will allow for a larger audience with a similar atmosphere. 

“Last year's show on the Harwood stage was so much fun,” said Harwood music teacher Brian Boyes. “Our audience loved being seated on stage right next to the musicians. It was also a fantastic experience for the students to play and connect with their audience in such a different setting. We're really excited to accommodate more folks at the Big Pic for this year's show, while also maintaining the jazz club vibe.”

Tickets will be available at the door: $15-20 suggested donation for adults; $5 for students. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase.