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The 28th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival returns to the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown, Miami, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This year’s event, themed “Tribute to Jaco Pastorius,” promises an unforgettable celebration of Jazz, culture, and community. The festival will feature performances by The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, directed by Peter Graves, with a special guest artist, alongside The Legendary Melton Mustafa Orchestra, Mr. Entertainment Jesse Jones Jr., and talented student ensembles from middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation.
“This festival pays tribute to the timeless legacy of Jazz and the remarkable contributions of my father, Melton Mustafa Sr., and the legendary Jaco Pastorius. It represents more than just music; it is about honoring history, nurturing young talent, and uniting the community in the heart of Overtown, where Jazz has always found a home. We are proud to continue this tradition and share the transformative power of Jazz with audiences of all ages.”- Melton Mustafa Jr.
For the 10th consecutive year, the festival will take place at the 111-year-old Historic Lyric Theater, a treasured cultural landmark in the heart of Overtown. Once known as “The Harlem of the South,” Overtown was a thriving hub for legendary musicians, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Aretha Franklin. The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival continues this rich tradition by bringing world-class Jazz to this historically Black neighborhood.
Melton Mustafa Jr., the festival’s director and son of its founder, Melton Mustafa Sr., reflects on the event’s significance: “This festival was significant to my father and my mother. Not only does it bring phenomenal jazz music to Overtown, but the workshops and master classes offered to students are invaluable experiences for young musicians.”
Kamila E. Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives, underscores the festival’s importance: “Jazz has been the soundtrack to significant moments in Black history and connects people across the African Diaspora. This festival offers everything a jazz lover could want, from captivating performances to educational workshops. Supporting the Mustafa legacy is an honor.”
Since its inception in 1996, the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival has prioritized student engagement through performances, workshops, and master classes. These programs provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn from world-class musicians, covering jazz history, theory, improvisation, and stage presence. The workshops also offer students a rare chance to interact directly with professional artists, inspiring the next generation of jazz greats.
Festival Highlights
- Pre-Festival Mixer
- Saturday Workshops: Jazz education sessions for middle, high school, and college students.
- Dinner & Jazz
- Jazz Brunch
- Closing Event: Red-carpet concert featuring headline acts.
This year, the festival aims to raise $100,000 to establish an endowed music scholarship for talented, at-risk, and underprivileged youth pursuing arts education. Contributions will support future programming to expand access to music education, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for underserved communities.
The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival welcomes all lovers of Jazz, celebrating the diversity that has shaped this dynamic art form. By bringing people together through music, the festival fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired.
Tickets and more information are available at https://MMJF28.eventbrite.com.
About MSM Arts United, Inc.
MSM Arts United is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and advancing the arts through concerts, performances, workshops, scholarships, and mentorship for the global community. Visit:http://www.msmartsinc.
Photo Credit: Gregory Reed
