ST. GEORGE — Now entering its third year, the St. George Jazz Festival will bring world class performers to the beautiful red rocks of Southern Utah – including musicians from Los Angeles and New York.
Organizers announced the third annual St. George Jazz Festival will take place Feb. 8-9. The festival will open with a performance by Andrew Martin and the Rebel Jazz Band on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Canyon High School auditorium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
Martin has long been one of Los Angeles’ most prominent trombonists for commercial recordings, television and motion picture soundtracks and live theater, according to a press release.
His television credits include the Grammy Awards, the Emmys, the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Martin has been the lead trombonist on television shows “Dancing With The Stars” and “American Idol,” and he has appeared regularly on the soundtracks of major television series, such as “Family Guy,” “American Dad” and “King of the Hill.” His motion picture credits span the soundtracks of over 150 major films.
On the second night of the jazz festival, singer Bria Skonberg will perform at the Cox Auditorium on the Dixie State University campus.
Skonberg, a New York-based Canadian singer, trumpeter and songwriter, has been described as one of the “most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation,” according to the press release. Recognized as one of “25 for the Future” by DownBeat Magazine, Skonberg has been a force in the new generation with her bold horn melodies, smoky vocals and adventurous concoctions of classic and new.
Noted as a millennial “shaking up the jazz world,” she has played festivals and stages all over the world, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival and more. Skonberg’s performance is cosponsored by the DSU Celebrity Concert Series. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
The educational mission of the festival hosts school bands on Friday and Saturday. High school and middle school jazz bands perform and receive comments and instruction from adjudicators. Students also attend free clinics presented by professional musicians. One outstanding high school band will be selected to open for Martin’s performance Feb. 8.
The St. George Jazz Festival is supported by RAP tax grants from the St. George Arts Commission and the Washington County Arts Commission. According to organizers of the festival, these incredible jazz musicians inspire and educate an ever-growing pool of talented young jazz students. Joined by the Rebel Jazz Band, these nationally-acclaimed guest artists show off their skills at what continues to be Southern Utah’s most thrilling concert each year.
Event details
- What: Third annual St. George Jazz Festival.
- When: Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9.
- Where: Performances on Feb. 8 will be held at the Snow Canyon High School Auditorium | Performances on Feb. 9 will be held at the Cox Auditorium at Dixie State University.
- Cost: Tickets for Martin’s performance on Feb. 8 will be $15 | Tickets for Skonberg’s performance on Feb. 9 will be $25.
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