Description:

Since its inception in 1991, the City Jazz Festival has grown to an event hosting dozens of student jazz groups from throughout California, performing in three different venues at Fresno City College. The emphasis has always been on education. A panel of jazz educators critiques the students’ performances, and they attend a variety of workshops presented by some of the greatest professional jazz performers in the country. Scholarships to the Berklee College of Music, FCC, and many summer music camps are awarded to outstanding student performers. The event culminates with a performance by the featured guest artist, accompanied by the FCC Jazz Ensemble. Here are a few facts and figures based on the 20 year history of the festival:

Over 850 student jazz groups have participated

Over $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded

Featured guest artists have included a who’s who of jazz:

Saxophonists Eric Marienthal, Tom Scott, Bob Mintzer, Ernie Watts, and Bob Sheppard

Trumpeters Wayne Bergeron, Bobby Shew, Ingrid Jensen, and Gilbert Castellanos

Guitarists Anthony Wilson and Mark Whitfield

Drummers Jeff Hamilton and Steve Houghton

Trombonists Conrad Herwig and Andy Martin

Vocalists Tierney Sutton, Kevin Mahogany, Kristin Korb, and Sunny Wilkinson

Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge

Contact Mike Dana at ext. 8463