14th Annual

Davis Jazz Beat Festival

October 23 - 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 events will take place at the John Natsoulas Gallery or across the street at the Davis Commons.

All ages are welcome and the admission is free!

Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest

We are excited to bring back the Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest at 14th Annual Davis Jazz Beat Festival to keep the spirits of the Beat Generation alive. The poetry contest seeks to find the up and coming writers who embody the sense of counter-revolution and anti-establishment that reflect the spirit of William Burroughs’s Naked Lunch, Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl“ and Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. Participation is free for everyone. Submission is limited to three poems, and entries must be submitted by October 8.

Submissions can be sent to [email protected]

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 23

Location - John Natsoulas Gallery

5:30 pm - Linda Bair Dance Group Performance

6:00 pm - Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest Award Announcements*

7:00 pm - John Natsoulas, Ted Fontaine, Tony Novelozo, and More!

7:30 pm - Tongo Eisen-Martin Poetry Reading

*Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest
Winners and 20 poets will be chosen to be in the Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest review (art and poetry publication), in conjunction with the 14th annual Davis Jazz Beat Festival. With cash prizes and publication for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Honorable mentions will have the opportunity to read alongside Dr. Andy Jones and Tongo Eisen-Martin.

Saturday, October 24

Location - Davis Commons Stage

2:00 pm - Davis High School Jazz Band, with painter Adam Forfang

3:00 pm - Sacramento State Jazz Band, with painter Laura Hohlwein

4:00 pm - Quiet Nacho, with TBA poet and painter

5:00 pm - Jimmy Toor Trio, with poet and painter Philippe Gandiol

6:00 pm - Geo Harpistry & Saxophonist Camille Kerani & DJ Salenie, with TBA painter

Location - John Natsoulas Gallery

7:00 pm - Peter Coyote Poetry Reading

7:30 pm - Rooftop Dance Party

Sponsored by

James A. Kidd Foundation for the Arts

Davis High School Jazz Band

Jimmy Toor Trio

Sacramento State Combo Band

Performers

Musicians

GEO x Salenie

with Camille Kerani

Ted Fontaine Trio

Adam Forfang

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.

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.