POWELL, WYOMING – Regional directors of jazz bands, jazz combos, and vocal jazz groups are invited to register for the 2025 Northwest College Jazz Festival, taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Now in its 42^nd year, the festival is a non-competitive performance opportunity for vocal and instrumental jazz groups at all levels of proficiency.

Throughout the day, high-quality assessment and instruction will be provided by respected jazz educators in a positive and constructive learning environment which encourages young musicians and teachers to grow through camaraderie and musical exchange. The daylong event also features a concert that is open to the public, which begins at 1 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium.

This year’s headline group is Moonchild, an L.A.-based multi-instrumental soul trio comprised of Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk. Their most recent LP, “Starfruit” was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 65^th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2023, and featured Lalah Hathaway, Alex Isley, Tank and The Bangas, Rapsody, Ill Camille, Mumu Fresh, Chantae Cann and Josh Johnson.

While receiving major press, radio and DSP (Digital Service Provider) support, Moonchild has charted on the Billboard’s genre charts and was named Soul Act of the Year by Jazz FM in 2018. The group has collaborated and toured with several highly respected names from across music, including Kamasi Washington, Stevie Wonder, The Internet, and Jill Scott.

The deadline for directors to register is Tuesday, February 11, and registration can be completed at northwestmusic.org/northwest-jazz-festival/. Each registration includes a 20-minute performance slot followed by a 20-minute adjudication slot and admission to the afternoon headliner concert.

For those interested in attending the 1 p.m. concert, tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets will only be available at the door prior to the event.

The Northwest College Jazz Festival is made possible through a community support grant provided by the Wyoming Arts Council.