Registration for 42nd annual Northwest Jazz Festival now open

Regional directors of jazz bands, jazz combos and vocal jazz groups are invited to register for the 2025 Northwest College Jazz Festival, taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Now in its 42nd year, the festival is a non-competitive performance opportunity for vocal and instrumental jazz groups at all levels of proficiency.

The deadline for directors to register is Tuesday, Feb. 11, and registration can be completed at northwestmusic.org/northwest-jazz-festival/. Each registration includes a 20-minute performance slot followed by a 20-minute adjudication slot and admission to the afternoon headliner concert.

Throughout the day, high-quality assessment and instruction will be provided by respected jazz educators in a positive and constructive learning environment which encourages young musicians and teachers to grow through camaraderie and musical exchange. The daylong event also features a concert that is open to the public, which begins at 1 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium.

This year’s headline group is Moonchild, an L.A.-based multi-instrumental soul trio comprised of Amber Navran, Andris Mattson and Max Bryk. Their most recent LP, “Starfruit” was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2023.

For those interested in attending the 1 p.m. concert, tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets will only be available at the door prior to the event.

The Northwest College Jazz Festival is made possible through a community support grant provided by the Wyoming Arts Council.