Jon Ailabouni

Sponsored by Marva Abel and Richard Knoedel

About:  

Trumpeter, composer, and educator, Jon Ailabouni is a sought-after freelance artist based in La Crosse, WI. Steeped in Western European classical and Black American jazz traditions, Jon’s creative work focuses on instrumental composition and improvisation that uses deeply felt stories as a focal point for expression. Ailabouni’s 2023 album You Are Not Alone features his original compositions and is available for purchase via Bandcamp and SkyDesk Music. Ailabouni’s improvisation as a soloist has been described as “sharp and resourceful” (AllAboutJazz.com). An emerging national leader at the intersection of jazz and liturgical traditions, Jon regularly serves as a guest worship director, bringing the sophistication and soulfulness of the jazz tradition into familiar hymns and liturgy in churches across the Midwest, Colorado, and Texas. He has self-published over 50 arrangements of hymns available on his website JonAilabouniMusic.com. Ailabouni taught on the music faculty of Luther College in Decorah, IA for eight years and currently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where he teaches the trumpet studio, Music Appreciation class, and directs the Jazz Ensemble and Hoefer Brass Quintet.

Contact Information:

Summer of the Arts Festivals:  

• 2023 Iowa City Jazz Festival