14th Annual

Davis Jazz Beat Festival

October 24, 2026

In honor of the incredible legacy of Beat poets, musicians, and artists, the John Natsoulas Gallery will host a two-day event dedicated to the arts that defined a generation in the Bay Area. Join us to experience live music, poetry readings, and performance painting! All ages are welcome and the admission is free! All events will take place at the John Natsoulas Gallery or across the street at the Davis Commons.

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 23

6:30-8:30 pm - Jazz Poetry 6:30-8:30 at the John Natsoulas Gallery

Saturday, October 24

Location - Davis Commons Stage

1:45 pm - TBA

2:30 pm – Jimmy Toor Jazz Trio – With Poet and Performance Painter: Philippe Gandiol, Poet TBA

3:30 pm – TBA With Performance Painter: Laura Hohlwein

4:00 pm – Davis High School Jazz Band – With Davis High School Poet, Performance Painter: Adam Forfang

Location - John Natsoulas Gallery - emcee Dr. Andy Jones

5:30 pm – Linda Bair Dance Group Performance

6:00 pm – Ted Fontaine Trio - John Natsoulas poetry and CJ Borges (flute and percussion)

6:30 pm – Poet Dr. Andy Jones

7:15 pm – Peter Coyote

8:30 pm - TBA

Davis High School Jazz Band

Jimmy Toor Trio

UC Davis Jazz Band Combo

Performers

Musicians

Ted Fontaine Trio

Adam Forfang is a dedicated visual artist from San Pablo, California whose work is deeply influenced by his surroundings. His art ranges from capturing atmospheric landscapes to exploring color and composition in still lifesand portraits. In addition to his artistic practice, Forfang has taught art for over 15 years, spanning from elementary to college levels.

Adam Forfang

Painters

Philippe Gandiol

Philippe Gandiol is an award winning Northern California painter who was born and raised in France and immigrated to the United States in his early 20’s. He pursued an independent program of study taking classes in France, San Francisco, and Sacramento and with several renowned West Coast painters. Philippe likes to paint a variety of subjects like landscapes, cityscapes, still life, and figures “en plein air” or in the studio.