The 38th Annual Jazz Festival is Feb 18-21.  In addition to appearances by students and faculty from the UNC Jazz Studies program, this year's festival features performances by Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band and Artists-in-Residence Etienne Charles (trumpet) and Rodney Whitaker (bass).  There is also the North Carolina Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Festival.  Many events are free.  Visit Carolina Jazz Festival, for a complete schedule.

 Founded in 1977, the Carolina Jazz Festival promotes a broad range of programming spanning performance, education, and scholarship. http://music.unc.edu/jazzfest