FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 • 8PM
Nicholson Communication and Media auditorium, UCF Main Campus
19th annual UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival, presented live from the University of Central Florida in Orlando
Featuring
- Dave Stryker, guitar
- Jared Gold, Hammond organ
- Jeff Rupert, saxophone
- McClenty Hunter, drums
Standard Tickets: $25 • UCF Faculty & Staff: $10
FREE for students with valid I.D.
Dave Stryker
Dave co-led The Stryker/Slagle Band for 30 years with saxophonist Steve Slagle. He has appeared on over 75 CD’s as a sideman. Past sideman work has included vocalist Kevin Mahogany’s group, with Dave writing and arranging music for Kevin’s Telarc release Pride and Joy and Another Time, Another Place on Warner Bros and tours of Europe, Japan, Brazil, Poland and Carnegie Hall.
Jared Gold
Organist Jared Gold’s emergence as one of the New York area’s most in-demand musicians comes from years of dedication and respect to his instrument. With such notable influences as Larry Young , Jack McDuff, and Don Patterson to draw upon as a foundation, the emphasis on finding his own voice has now clearly taken precedence and required Gold to construct his own unique philosophy based on extending harmony and solidifying the groove.
Jeff Rupert and McClenty Hunter
Rupert and Hunter are lauded jazz professionals and faculty members at the University of Central Florida.
Jeff Rupert has recorded and toured alongside Maynard Ferguson, Sam Rivers, Diane Schuur, Mel Torme, and Benny Carter to name a few. His latest album includes contributions from legends Kenny Barron Joe Farnsworth, and Peter Washington.
A Grammy-nominated jazz drummer, McClenty Hunter, Jr. has performed with jazz legends like Cedar Walton, Lou Donaldson and Kenny Barron and has appeared at major festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival.