The NAU Jazz Festival is a non-competitive arena for middle school, high school, and junior college musicians. This type of festival creates a relaxed atmosphere that promotes education as opposed to competition. Big bands and combos perform for adjudicators to receive ratings and/or comments. Following the performances, most groups will participate in feedback clinics with our adjudicators.

This year will be the 52nd annual NAU Jazz Festival. Approximately 50 bands will perform in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium over the 3 days of the festival. Participating band performances and scheduled clinics are free and open to the public. Please join us in supporting the talented students attending and performing at the festival. This year’s featured guest artist is pianist/composer/arranger Matt Harris. Matt is an award-winning jazz artist noted for his work with Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson among others. He is currently co-director of Jazz Studies at California State University, Northridge and his music is performed by big bands around the world.

There will be a special concert featuring the music of Matt Harris and Matt on piano with NAU Jazz Ensemble One on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 8:00 pm.