The Northwest College Jazz Festival is a non-competitive performance opportunity for vocal and instrumental jazz groups at all levels of proficiency. High-quality assessment and instruction will be provided by respected jazz educators in a positive and constructive learning environment. This festival encourages young musicians and teachers to grow through camaraderie and musical exchange. The day finishes with a concert with our headlining performers (see below) and outstanding student groups.

Headline Performers:
Lewis Nash
Drummer, Educator, Recording Artist
“Rhythm Is My Business” is the title of his 1989 debut recording as a bandleader, and legendary drummer Lewis Nash is all about the business of keeping rhythm.
Universally recognized as one of the great drummers in jazz history, his illustrious career now spans over four decades. Nash is one of jazz’s most recorded musicians, appearing on over 500 recordings including 10 Grammy winners and numerous Grammy nominees.

Marion Powers
Vocalist, Educator, Clinician
Marion Powers is a six-time DownBeat Award-winning jazz vocalist whose dynamic improvisation skills, fresh and modern arranging style, and sensitive approach to songwriting keep her in high demand from coast to coast not only as a performer, but also as an educator. While heavily influenced by classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan, her experiences performing with or being mentored by Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye Kendrick, and Melissa Aldana have been some of the most instrumental to her artistic development.

Andrew Janek
Saxophonist, Educator, Clinician
Dr. Andrew Janak is the Instructor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and active saxophonist/composer/arranger/educator throughout the Midwest and Mountain West.
Andrew has shared the stage with jazz greats Phil Woods and Jimmy Heath and recorded with Randy Brecker, Jeff Hamilton. Recently he has worked with some of the Midwest’s finest jazz musicians such as Mitch Towne, Marcus Lewis, Peter Schlamb, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Bob Lark’s Alumni Band Band and the Tom Matta Big Band. Andrew has several creative projects specializing in original music such as the Andrew Janak Organ Trio, Andrew Janak and Wind Armada and the Andrew Janak Octet. He also has performed/recorded with national acts such as the Temptations, Aloe Blacc, Johnny Mathis, Wayne Brady, Michael Feinstein and Justin Townes Earle. As a classical saxophonist Andrew studied with renowned performer/pedagogue Dr. Paul Haar and performed with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wind Ensemble, Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, Lincoln Municipal Band, and various chamber groups.

The fee for registration is $225 for Jazz Bands and Jazz Choirs, and $150 for Jazz Combos. Each entry will receive a 20-minute performance slot followed by a 20-minute adjudication slot. The deadline to register is Tuesday, February 6th. Be sure to fill out both the Festival Registration and the Setup Form for your group.

Jazz Festival Concert: 6:30PM - NPA Auditorium
General Admission Tickets: $25
Student Tickets: $15

Date: February 27,2024 from 6:30pm

Location: Northwest College-Nelson Performing Arts Building, 231 West 6th Street, Powell, WY 82435

Click Here For More Information