Jazz at the Station: A Brief History

Joe McQueen performs at Jazz at the Station in 2019 (left). Image by Charles Trentelman
Caril Jennings with Joe McQueen Quartet. Image courtesy of Caril Jennings

Jazz at the Station has contributed to keeping Ogden’s legacy of jazz alive since 1998. 

According to Caril Jennings, it began as “Jazz in the Skyroom” at Weber State University’s Shepherd Union Building shortly after Jennings became director of marketing for the Department of Performing Arts. At that time, jazz was only found in 21-and-over bars and clubs, prompting her to suggest a free, monthly and all-ages event to Dr. Don Keipp, the jazz and percussion faculty at WSU. Keipp handled programming entertainment and Jennings marketed the program. 

Its first performance, featuring Ogden’s legendary Joe McQueen Quartet, was a hit, requiring a move to the larger cafeteria on campus, The Junction, and later Ogden’s Union Station, where it is currently held. 

Joe McQueen, who Jennings refered to as Ogden’s “Mr. Rogers of Jazz” performed at least twice a year, including in February for Black History Month and for his birthday. “His participation and endorsement lent credibility to the program and was a great influence on its success,” Jennings said.

When Jennings retired in 2013, WSU Department of Performing Arts retired Jazz at the Station and withdrew its support. It continued to operate for years on donations and arts grants from the city and state. In 2021, Ogden City adopted the program and provided a budget for monthly performances. 

That same year, its current director, Daniel Tracy, entered the role. He started out on stage as a student performer, and now he brings his own students and jazz friends to the stage at Ogden Union Station monthly for the free family-friendly performances.

“I am so happy that the brainchild of my early marketing days became a program that the City of Ogden adopted as a city function,” said Jennings.

This month, in lieu of the regular Jazz at the Station event is the Ogden School District Jazz Festival, a fundraiser to support school jazz bands in the district. It will be held on Friday, May 8, from 5 to 8 p.m.. at Ogden Union Station. Mount Ogden Junior High, Ogden High, and Ben Lomond jazz bands will perform. Tickets are $10 and $5 for students. 

Tickets are available here.