Jack Petersen: Life & Legacy Celebration
Schedule
Sun, 03 May, 2026 at 03:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
UNF Fine Arts Center | Jacksonville Beach, FL
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SUN: MAY 3 (3:30pm) JACK PETERSEN: LIFE & LEGACY CELEBRATION -UNF Fine Arts Center, Bldg. 45, Recital Hall Rm. 1200, 1 UNF DR, Jax, FL. 32224
Join us for this deeply meaningful and inspiring tribute to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of jazz guitar artist and pedagogy visionary, Jack Petersen. Hosted by his son, Scott Petersen, and the UNF School of Music Jazz Program, this special gathering brings together regional to world-class music artists from across the country, of former colleagues, students, and friends. The afternoon will feature great music, sweet reflection and fellowship, representing the many lives and careers that Jack profoundly influenced. Highly regarded musician/educators will travel near and far, collaborating in performance, and in speaking to Jack’s connections with the pro jazz community and formal guitar programs: Bowling Green State University, University of South Florida, and the three he founded, Berklee, the University of North Texas, and the University of North Florida. His career history leading up to moving from south Florida to Arizona, later returning to Jacksonville, FL, in his final three years of performing before his recent passing at the age of 92. (Jack’s 20 years in the Arizona region to be celebrated by Mike Vax and colleagues on March 28th). Don’t miss this full-circle ‘reunion’ celebrating the pioneering and mentoring legacy of this truly legendary performer, innovator, pedagogical architect of jazz guitar and jazz improvisation, a cherished friend, loving husband and father.
PERFORMERS:
Guitar: Chris Buzzelli (BGSU), Ken Calhoun (Swing 456), Corey Christiansen (USF alumni), Barry Greene (UNF), Nate Harrison (UNF), Davy Mooney (UNT), Howard Paul (Benedetto Guitars), Rick Peckham (Berkee), Bruce Saunders (Berklee)
Piano: Kevin Bales (UNF alumni), Per Danielsson (USF alumni), Doug Matthews (UNF alumni)
Horns: Tamara Danielsson (sax, UNT alumni), Tom Dietz (sax, UNF alumni), Marc Dickman (tbn, UNF) Bill Prince (horns, UNF), JB Scott (tpt, UNF)
Bass: Claude Bassingthwaighte (UNF alumni), Ernie Ealum (Swing 456), Dennis Marks (UNF), Ricky Ravelo (UNF alumni)
Drums: Rick Kirkland (former UNF)
Vocal: Lisa Kelly (UNF alumni)
Strings: Judy Steinmeyer (Swing 456)
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Clarence Hines (UNF Music Chair) Chris Petersen (Jack’s son), Mikki Matteson (Rich Matteson, Founder, UNF Jazz Program), Bruce Silva (Former Director UNF JE 1 & jazz trumpet)
About Jack Petersen - Born on October 25, 1933, Jack devoted more than 78 years to his craft, performing from the age of 13 to 92. His remarkable career included service in the 8th U.S. Army Band in Seoul, Korea (1956–1957), and a long-standing role at the renowned Kenton Jazz Camps (1975–1994). As a pioneering educator, he served as founding faculty for three of the most influential university guitar programs in the country: Berklee College of Music, the University of North Texas, and the University of North Florida. His teaching extended widely, shaping programs and students at institutions such as Bowling Green State University and the University of South Florida, as well as in vibrant music communities across the country.
Widely respected as an architect of modern guitar pedagogy, Jack transformed jazz education through his innovative “guitar lab” concept, his groundbreaking ensemble approaches, and his integration of chord-scale theory, advanced harmony, and improvisation techniques. His influence reached far beyond guitarists, impacting instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, and educators worldwide. In addition to performing and recording with numerous acclaimed jazz artists, Jack co-authored important pedagogical texts and co-founded the publishing company Outrageous Mother Music with Rich Matteson and Phil Wilson in 1977. In later years, he continued to perform, teach, and present clinics nationwide, including his work in Prescott, Arizona, before returning to Jacksonville to be near family. Up until his passing on February 5, 2026, Jack remained an active and celebrated artist, appearing as a featured guest with the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble I and in special tribute performances alongside esteemed colleagues and former students—demonstrating a truly full-circle legacy.
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Where is it happening?
UNF Fine Arts Center, 1 UNF Drive,Jacksonville,FL,United States, Jacksonville BeachEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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