Blog update 5/5/26:
Event Review by Lisa Kelly (5-3-26)
Jack Petersen "Forever Swingin" Tribute. Jazz artists, former teaching colleagues and students, friends, and admirers of legendary guitarist/educator Jack Petersen traveled to near and far to collaborate with his son, Scott Petersen and fiancé Laura Riggs, in honoring his life and iconic career. Amazing music, important history, and heartfelt personal reflections were shared with a full house audience at UNF and on national streaming viewers.
Performing artists, endearing speakers, student volunteers, spouses and sweethearts, audio/video, photographers, the UNF staff, music fans, and others came together in love and regard to share Jack's story. Major jazz guitar programs represented in the concert by faculty and former students included Berklee, UNT, UNF (the 3 programs Jazz was the founding professor of), Bowling Green, USF. Other representation included historic jazz camps, Benedetto Guitar signature artist company, and a group he played with, Swing 456.
Speakers included Dr. Clarence Hines (UNF Chair), Bruce Silva (former UNF faculty), Mikki Matteson (wife of UNF founder, Rich Matteson), and Scott Petersen. 3 special letters from Jack's fellow historic group members were read. The special announcement was also made that Jack will be recognized posthumously on May 21st at the Jax Jazz Festival Piano Competition as the 2026 HOF Inductee, to be presented to his son, Scott. The tribute event culminated with a reception, enjoying fellowship together, refreshments, Jack's guitar recordings, various nostalgic photos and memorabilia.
Album #1: a few photos I took and a few from others. Other posted photo albums to come.
Make sure to attend the JJF Piano Competition, Thur, May 21, 7:00pm Florida Theatre, to support Scott in receiving his dad's HOF award.
Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition 2026 | May 21, 2026 https://share.google/pitSTTk4pEQQlftH1
Performers: whether playing on 1 song or several, each artist was significant in representing a time, an achievement, an experience in the history of Jack's legacy, Due to unforseen last minute circumstances, 2 artists could not be with us in person, but contributed meaningfully to the tribute presentation.
(Guitar) Chris Buzzelli Ken Calhoun Corey Christiansen Barry Greene, Nate Harrison Davy Mooney, Howard Paul Rick Peckham, Bruce Saunders (Piano) Kevin Bales, Per Danielsson Doug Matthews (Horns) Tamara Danielsson (sax), Tom Dietz/sax, Marc Dickman/trombone, Bill Prince/sax & clarinet, JB Scott/trumpet; (Bass) Claude Bassingthwaighte Ernie Ealum Dennis Marks, Ricky Ravelo; (Drums) Rick Kirkland; (Vocal) Lisa Kelly; (Violin) Judy Steinmeyer
Others who greatly contributed: Jack Miller (sound/tech), Ronald Shecut (video), Corbin Schmid, Spencer Boyum, Matt Maquez, RJ Clines, David-Miranda O'Toole, UNF School of Music office staff, Charlie Boyer of JazzBluesFlorida.com, JME Jacksonville Music Experience
Many thanks to all who made this day so very special in remembering Jack Petersen - a beloved colleague, mentor, innovator, friend, and father. 💙 🎶 🎸 🕊
BLOG UPDATE! 🚨 HAPPENING TODAY (5/3/26) – LIVE & ONLINE 🚨
The Jack Petersen tribute concert, “Remembered in Music and Legacy,” takes place today at the University of North Florida — and for those who cannot attend in person, the full event will be presented LIVE on YouTube.
🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/eBnt5RWeKBc
This special program honors the life and influence of guitarist and educator Jack Petersen, whose work shaped generations of musicians and helped build the jazz program at UNF.
LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE (TODAY):
• 🎬 3:15 PM – Stream begins (multi-camera broadcast)
• 🎤 3:25 PM – Opening remarks
• 🎶 3:30 PM – Music begins
Event details in the Jazz & Blues Florida News Blog: 👉 https://jazz-bluesflorida.blogspot.com/2026/04/jack-petersen-remembered-in-music-and.html
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a meaningful musical tribute — accessible from anywhere.
FOREVER SWINGIN’
A Life & Legacy Tribute Concert to Jack Petersen
Sunday, May 3, 2026 – 3:30 PM
Doors Open: 3:15 PM
UNF Fine Arts Building 45 – Recital Hall (Room 1200)
1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 MAP
Join the University of North Florida School of Music Jazz Program, along with host Scott Petersen, for a meaningful tribute honoring the life and legacy of jazz guitar artist and educator Jack Petersen.
Performing and mentoring until his passing at age 92, Petersen’s remarkable 76-year career included collaborations with many leading figures in jazz, including Peggy Lee, Dave Brubeck, Randy Brecker, Henry Mancini, Milt Hinton, Lena Horne, Ellis Marsalis, Rufus Reid, Doc Severinsen, and Nancy Wilson.
Widely regarded as “the pedagogical architect of jazz guitar and jazz improvisation,” Petersen founded and led premier jazz guitar programs at Berklee College of Music, the University of North Texas, and the University of North Florida. His influence also extended to Bowling Green State University, the University of South Florida, and the Stan Kenton Jazz Camps.
His book “Chords Galore”, along with additional publications created with Rich Matteson, continues to shape jazz education worldwide.
This free concert brings together former students, colleagues, and professional artists from across the country to honor Petersen’s enduring impact through live performance and shared reflections.
Performers
Guitar
Chris Buzzelli • Ken Calhoun • Corey Christiansen • Barry Greene • Nate Harrison • Davy Mooney • Howard Paul • Rick Peckham • Bruce Saunders
Piano
Kevin Bales • Per Danielsson • Doug Matthews
Horns
Tamara Danielsson (sax) • Tom Dietz (sax) • Marc Dickman (trombone) • Bill Prince (trumpet, sax) • JB Scott (trumpet)
Bass
Claude Bassingthwaighte • Ernie Ealum • Dennis Marks • Ricky Ravelo
Drums
Rick Kirkland
Vocal
Lisa Kelly
Violin
Judy Steinmeyer
Speakers
Dr. Clarence Hines (Chair, UNF School of Music)
Scott Petersen (son of Jack Petersen)
Mikki Matteson (Founder Rich Matteson, UNF Jazz Program)
Bruce Silva (Former Director, UNF Jazz Ensemble 1; Lead Trumpet, Army Jazz Ambassadors)
This tribute reflects a lifetime of performance, education, and influence that continues to shape generations of jazz musicians.
For additional information contact Lisa Kelly at
kellyscottmusic14@att.net or 904-703-8687. Connect with Lisa via
Facebook for notification of arrangement for live streaming of the event.
