Bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones headlines USC Jazz Festival

The University of South Carolina Jazz Festival is a learning, adjudication and performance opportunity for regional high school and middle school jazz students to perform for and work with USC’s world-class jazz faculty. The festival includes masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals and a final concert. This year, the festival’s guest artist is GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and vocalist Mimi Jones.

Lauren Meccia has been named USC Jazz Festival Director. Dr. Matthew White remains the festival’s Artistic Director.

Why This is Important

This all-day event invites multiple high school jazz ensembles from the Southeast to perform for a panel of educators and performers at the USC School of Music. During this process, ensembles will be assessed and will receive valuable feedback. Adjudication also helps students prepare for college auditions. This is also a chance to interact with the current students and faculty at USC Jazz.

What’s Happening

The event kicks off on Friday, February 23, 2024. Media are invited to attend all of the USC Jazz Festival activities, beginning with an interview of Mimi Jones by Dr. Matthew White, Director of Southern African-American Music (CSAM) and Chair of USC Jazz Studies at 1:10 p.m. in the USC School of Music Recital Hall. This will immediately be followed by an open rehearsal with Jones and the premiere big band, Left Bank Big Band from 2:20-4 p.m. The evening will end with a concert Jones with USC Jazz Faculty at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

The festival continues Saturday, February 24, 2024, with adjudication and clinics, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which media are encouraged to attend, followed by a concert featuring Mimi Jones and the Left Bank Big Band — USC’s premiere jazz ensemble. For a full schedule of activities, please visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music/community/community_events/jazz_festival/index.php

Reach Out

To schedule an interview with Mimi Jones, USC Jazz Festival Director Lauren Meccia or Artistic Director Matt White, please contact Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell, School of Music Marketing Director, at 803-777-7962 or [email protected].