MSU Billings Jazz Festival

Friday, February 5, 2027

The Montana State University Billings Jazz and Commercial Ensembles are focused on authentically learning multiple styles of Jazz and Commercial music in order for the student to approach future playing and teaching situations with confidence and knowledge. Our ensembles sincerely enjoy sharing the love of music and broadening our own minds as well as those in the community, to become more artistically and culturally aware.

Adjudication

All college, high school, and junior high jazz ensembles in the state are cordially invited to the MSU Billings Jazz Festival, which will take place on Friday, February 5, 2027, at MSU Billings.  All sizes of ensembles are invited to attend, including big bands, combos, modern bands, vocal jazz, and any other size or instrumentation of Jazz or Commercial ensemble. In addition to adjudication, highly experienced clinicians will also provide improvisation, instrumental, and music production clinics. This festival is non-competitive and focused on education and nurturing the love of music. Top Soloists of the festival will be awarded at the evening concert. There are no adjudication fees required for this festival.

2027 Artist Information for "The West Coast Getdown" coming soon!

2026 All-Star New Orleans Jazz Ensemble, Sunshine Special

Sunshine Special brings together some of New Orleans’ top traditional jazz musicians in a new collaboration dedicated to the spirit of early jazz. Though newly formed, the band’s members are seasoned performers who have honed their craft on stages across the world. Each musician carries a deep knowledge of the early jazz tradition, while also drawing on a wide range of experience spanning classical, swing, and modern jazz.

Rooted in the sound of New Orleans yet shaped by diverse influences, Sunshine Special celebrates the energy, joy, and timelessness of early jazz — brought to life by a group of players who know how to make the music swing.  Listen to these fantastic players caught on camera playing Weatherbird Rag.

Guest Artists & Adjudicators

More information coming soon!

Concert Tickets

MSU Billings present a Jazz Festival Gala Concert featuring the MSUB Jazz Orchestra and "The West Coast Getdown" on Friday, February 5, 2027 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  Location to be determined.   Tickets to attend the performance can be purchased online for only $15. Ticket sales open up one month before the Gala concert.  Admission is FREE for MSUB students and employees with a valid MSUB ID by reserving in advance through the Music Office. If you need help purchasing tickets, please call the Music Department Office at 406-657-2350.

MSU Billings’ past jazz festivals have been very successful with guest artists such as Alex Iles, Bob Bowman, Brennan Baglio, Wayne Bergeron, Katisse Buckingham, Maynard Ferguson, Bill Watrous, Doc Cheatum, George Shearing, Bobby Shew, Nick Mancini, Denis DiBlasio, Eric Richards, Kelly Berdahl, Matt Otto, Darrell Green, Dontae Winslow, Camille Thurman, and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca. Please join us in making this another educational tradition and a musical mainstay in Montana.

For more information please contact John Roberts.