It was a Saturday afternoon when Les DeMerle invited me into his home to talk about the 2026 Amelia Island Jazz Festival. What I expected to be a simple interview quickly became something much more – a walk through a lifetime devoted to jazz.
Stepping into his office was like entering an exhibit of Les’s career. Every wall tells a story of his more than six decades in music: black-and-white photographs of young Les with his dad at jazz clubs; concert posters; snapshots of performances with musical legends including Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Harry James, and Wynton Marsalis; and playbills galore documenting a career few musicians ever achieve.
Then we came to his garage, which doubles as a studio. Framed Amelia Island Jazz Festival posters line the walls, each featuring the annual artwork gifted by Park West Gallery and celebrating another year of the festival’s history. The space also features Les’s signature sparkling red drum set, ready for rehearsals, jam sessions, and the private lessons he continues to teach. Even after decades of performing on stages around the world, teaching music to the next generation remains one of his greatest passions.
As we settled back into his office to talk about this year’s festival, it was clear that everything surrounding led to a key principle that defines both Les’s career and the Amelia Island Jazz Festival: “We try to raise the bar each year,” says Les. Those eight words define everything he has accomplished. Whether performing with legendary artists, building one of the Southeast’s premier jazz festivals, or mentoring young musicians, Les has never stopped setting new goals, and judging by the lineup for this year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival, returning October 4-11, he’s done it again.
Celebrating its 23rd year, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is far more than a week of concerts; it is a celebration of musical excellence, community, education, and connection with jazz. Throughout eight days, locals and visitors alike will experience internationally acclaimed headline artists, intimate wine gatherings with jazz music, energetic swing dances, Latin rhythms, blues performances, late-night jam sessions, and educational opportunities – all against the backdrop of beautiful Amelia Island.
Founded in 2001 by Les and his wife, acclaimed vocalist Bonnie Eisele, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival has grown from a dream shared by the two into one of the Southeast’s most respected jazz festivals. What began as a small community event has evolved into a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting world-class artists while inspiring future generations through education and scholarships.
Both Les and Bonnie have had extraordinary careers, with the legendary DeMerle working with some of the biggest names in jazz. He began touring professionally with Lionel Hampton while still in high school before spending twelve years performing with trumpet great Harry James, recording the Grammy Award-winning album King James Version. Throughout his career, he has appeared alongside Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Wayne Newton, The Manhattan Transfer, and countless jazz greats.
An accomplished vocalist, Eisele has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, and Asia, and continues to captivate audiences as featured vocalist with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Band. Together, they have built a festival that reflects both their passion for jazz and commitment to creating opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
“As the artistic director, I strive to make sure we have a well-rounded festival,” says Les. “This year, I think we have it covered. We have traditional big band, smooth jazz, Latin, salsa, swing, New Orleans, Dixieland, and Brazilian music.” This year’s headliners perfectly embody that diversity.
HEADLINER GUNHILD CARLING ON OCTOBER 10 AT THE COURTYARD AMELIA ISLAND/SPRINGHILL SUITES
When Les began talking about Saturday night’s headliner, his enthusiasm was contagious. “Wait until you see this,” he exclaims, pulling up a performance video of Gunhild Carling.
Known around the world as “Sweden’s Queen of Swing,” Carling is one of the most entertaining performers in jazz today. A true multi-instrumentalist, she effortlessly moves from trumpet and trombone to harmonica, flute, piano, bagpipes, and vocals, often adding tap dancing and comedy into her electrifying performances. At one point she famously plays three trumpets simultaneously, leaving audiences wondering what she’ll do next. “She plays 52 instruments – one for every week of the year – and headlined Europe’s summer jazz festivals,” says Les. “People are going to love her!”
Carling headlines the festival on Saturday, October 10, following an opening performance by The Les DeMerle Hittin’ the Blue Notes Band featuring Longineu Parsons, Bill Prince, Mike Levine, Dennis Marks, Bonnie Eisele, and special guests. The concert will be held at The Courtyard Amelia Island/SpringHill Suites.
HEADLINER THE FOUR FRESHMEN ON OCTOBER 9 AT THE COURTYARD AMELIA ISLAND/SPRINGHILL SUITES
Friday night’s headliner offers an entirely different experience. The Four Freshmen have been defining close-harmony jazz vocals since 1948, influencing generations of artists with their signature blend of sophisticated arrangements and impeccable harmonies. Today’s ensemble, Bob Ferreira, Jake Baldwin, Chris Peters, and Tommy Boynton, continue that tradition with a playlist of classic favorites and contemporary selections. “It’s a smooth vibe,” Les explains. “All of them are stellar singers and instrumentalists, which creates a dazzling show of jazz harmonies and rhythm.”
Opening the evening’s show will be The Les DeMerle Sound 67 Band, inspired by the remarkable rediscovery in 2023 of Les’s first recording from 1967. The performance blends the energy of classic jazz with today’s outstanding musicians, creating an exciting prelude before The Four Freshmen take the stage. The Four Freshmen concert will be held at The Courtyard Amelia Island/SpringHill Suites.
JAZZ PARTY AT THE REC ON OCTOBER 4 AND JAZZ & WINE TASTINGS AT THE DECANTERY ON OCTOBER 6
The Amelia Island Jazz Festival kicks off Sunday, October 4, with its annual free “Jazz Party at the Rec” at the Atlantic Recreation Center. Beginning at noon, the community concert features the acclaimed 21-piece UNF Jazz Ensemble II under the direction of Dennis Marks, performing everything from swing and bebop to funk and fusion. Beyond Horizons Food Truck will also be on site serving a jazz-inspired lunch.
Sponsors play an essential role in making the festival possible, and on Monday, October 5, Bronze Saxophone Sponsors and above are invited to an exclusive Sponsor Party hosted by Les and Bonnie with an all-star band at the Courtyard Amelia Island/SpringHill Suites. “Ticket sales only account for about thirty percent of the festival’s expenses,” the duo explains. “Our generous sponsors are what make this possible, and we’re grateful every year for their contributions and support.”
Tuesday, October 6 brings one of the festival’s most popular traditions: Jazz & Wine Tasting at The Decantery in downtown Fernandina Beach. Performances feature The Jazztet with Paul Tafoya on trumpet, Ajax McDonell on saxophone, Doug Matthews on piano, Bonnie Eisele on vocals, and Les DeMerle on drums and vocals.
“Indulge in a unique selection of exquisite wines expertly paired with sensational jazz tunes, each enhancing the other’s flavor,” says Les. Limited space is available for two seatings at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., so get your tickets early. These shows usually sell out fast!
JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT AT SADLER RANCH ON OCTOBER 7 AND LATIN JAZZ CONCERT & DANCE ON OCTOBER 8
The festival’s dance events continue to grow in popularity, and this year marks the return of Sadler Ranch as a venue. “We’re thrilled to partner again with Sadler Ranch,” Les said. “The stage and large dance floor make it a perfect setting for our swing and Latin dance nights.”
Jump, Jive & Wail Swing Night on Wednesday, October 7 transforms the ranch into a celebration of the Big Band era. The Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band featuring Bonnie Eisele will perform favorite swing classics and more, adding a little spice with special guest Bill Wharton, the legendary Sauce Boss, offering audiences a preview before his Thursday performance.
Thursday, October 8 introduces one of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s newest experiences: Down Home Blues & Gumbo at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture, which combines live music with live cooking as Bill Wharton prepares a pot of his famous gumbo on stage while delivering his signature blues performance.
“This is an intimate event that’s going to be not only a fun performance, but a delicious one,” says Les. “Your ticket includes the gumbo, and there will be a cash bar. It will sell out, so get your tickets early.”
Later that evening, guests can head back to Sadler Ranch for the Latin Jazz Concert & Dance featuring VG Latin Band. “This is a new band to the festival that we’re really excited about,” says Les. “Bonnie and I saw them perform earlier this year in Orlando at Disney World and Universal Studios, and they’re fantastic. They’ll bring salsa, merengue, bachata, pop favorites, and dance classics, so put on your dancing shoes!”
LATE NIGHT JAMS AT MOCAMA BEER COMPANY AND THE DIXIE TO SWING JAZZ BRUNCH ON OCTOBER 11
After Friday and Saturday’s headline concerts, the music continues with the festival’s popular Late Nite Jam: Bebop, Blues & Beyond at Dizzy’s Den inside Mocama Beer Company. Running from 10 p.m. until midnight, these relaxed jam sessions are favorites of festival regulars as visiting musicians, local artists, and audience members gather for spontaneous performances.
“We need to bring the community in, that’s the whole idea of the Jazz Festival,” says Les. “The artists get it. The Late Nite Jam is a great way for them to connect with the community. It’s spontaneous, relaxed, and the audience becomes part of the experience.” This year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship recipient, FSU jazz pianist Rory Ames, will headline the event, leading the Next Generation Jazz Band.
And, as always, the festival concludes Sunday, October 11 with the beloved Dixie to Swing Jazz Brunch at the Courtyard Amelia Island/SpringHill Suites. Guests will enjoy a specially prepared brunch while The Spare Rib Six performs everything from traditional Dixieland favorites to classic swing. The all-star ensemble features Longineu Parsons, trumpet/vocals; Bill Prince, clarinet; Bill Hazlett, trombone; Mike Levine, piano; Dennis Marks, bass; and Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele. Two brunch seatings are available at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For Les, the festival has always represented something larger than a week of concerts. “I’m very proud of how we’ve laid out the festival here on Amelia much like the European festivals,” he notes. “Many American festivals happen over a weekend, but ours is spread across an entire week with different venues, unique timings, and different experiences. It gives both locals and visitors the opportunity to truly be part of it.”
That commitment extends beyond the performances themselves, fulfilling the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s mission through educational workshops in local schools and annual scholarships awarded to promising young musicians. The festival continues to invest in the future of jazz.
Walking through Les DeMerle’s home, surrounded by decades of photographs, instruments, and festival memoirs, it’s easy to appreciate that the Amelia Island Jazz Festival reflects the life of the duo who created it. Every concert, every scholarship, every late-night jam session, and every new artist invited to Amelia Island is another chapter in this story. And if Les gets the say, next year’s festival will raise the bar again! For tickets and more information visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.