Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival

Three decades of jazz performance, education and mentorship come into focus during an anniversary weekend celebrating “30 Years of Blues, Bop and Beyond.” The 30th annual festival takes place February 25-28 at the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. Miami-born trumpeter and educator Melton Mustafa Sr. founded the festival in 1996 to bring leading jazz musicians to South Florida and connect them with college and high school students. Past editions have welcomed artists including James Moody, Grover Washington Jr., Wallace Roney, Patrice Rushen, Billy Cobham, Clark Terry and Randy Brecker. Now directed by musician, educator and bandleader Melton Mustafa Jr., the festival has continued its emphasis on jazz as a living tradition through concerts, workshops, masterclasses and student performances. A portion of festival proceeds supports music education and scholarship initiatives through MSM Arts United. The lineup and complete schedule for the 2027 anniversary edition have not yet been announced.