MAFAA Jazz Festival
We are pleased to announce the 35th Annual Michael O’Brien/Carol Moore Memorial Jazz Festival, held at Mineral Area College, March 12, 2022. This competitive festival is open to middle school/junior high and high school ensembles. MSHSAA school music classifications will be used to determine class. Entry fees are $200 per first ensemble and $150 for each additional ensemble. The festival is sponsored by the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy (MAFAA), a not-for-profit organization.
This year we are excited to welcome guest artist Gregg Bissonette, drum set. Gregg is best known for his ability to play in a wide variety of styles. His credits range from the big band jazz of Maynard Ferguson to the hard rock of David Lee Roth to Britain’s loudest band, Spinal Tap. He is currently touring with Ringo Starr.
Planning for this year’s festival included the late Jim Widner as the festival organizer. After Jim’s untimely passing, Gregg Bissonette, a college friend, touted the event as “A Tribute to Jim Widner”. Gregg and an all-star rhythm section consisting of Ken Kehner, Rick Haydon, and Eric Warren will present a master class at noon as well as perform in the evening concert along with the MAFAA Jazz Ensemble, Mineral Area Kicks Band and many of the adjudicators from the festival. The evening concert will be held at Mineral Area College. The 6:30pm concert will feature the MAFAA Jazz Festival All-Star band and combos, Mineral Area Kicks Band, and MAFAA Jazz Ensemble. The 6:30pm concert ticket price is $15 for adults, $5 for students and Free with MAC I.D. The deadline for entry and ticket requests will be FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH. After this time, festival entry and/or concert tickets cannot be guaranteed. Tickets must be purchased through an electronic vendor, noted on our website beginning January 6, 2022. “Like” us on Facebook to receive updates and follow us on Twitter @MineralAreaFAA.
We hope you will join us for this special event and stay for the evening concert where you will be treated to outstanding performances by our guest artist and all-star musicians.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Kurt Bauche & Kevin White, Jazz Festival Co-Chairs
Mineral Area Performing Arts Academy Jazz Festival
kdbauche76@gmail.com or kwhite@mineralarea.edu
Required Forms and Registration