39th Annual ASU Jazz Festival – Saturday, April 13
The Vicksburg Convention Center is proud to host the 39th Annual Alcorn State University (ASU) Jazz Festival featuring NEA Jazz Master, Ellis Marsalis. The festival will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The times for the performances are scheduled for 9:00 am-4:00 pm, High School and University Jazz Ensembles; 4:00 pm-5:00 pm, Ellis Marsalis Workshop; 7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Mississippi Jazz Educators; 8:00 pm-9:30 pm, Ellis Marsalis Quintet. All events are free and open to the public.
NEA Jazz Master, Ellis Marsalis, is a father figure of modern jazz — in quite a few ways. As a pianist, he was among the first generation of musicians to bring bebop to New Orleans. As an educator, he has mentored and instructed many great musicians, whether in New Orleans’ arts high school or at various university programs. The countless musicians include trumpeter Terence Blanchard, pianist Harry Connick Jr., saxophonist Donlad Harrison, and his four musician sons, Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason.
For nearly four decades the Department of Fine Arts at Alcorn State University, with funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Art Works, has sponsored what has become Mississippi’s longest-running and most prestigious jazz festival. The day-long festival features performances by some of the most outstanding professional jazz musicians and university, college and secondary school jazz ensembles from throughout the United States. Highlights of the festival are the afternoon workshops and evening concerts by some of the world’s greatest jazz artists which have included Jazz masters like Chick Corea, Clark Terry, Max Roach, Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, Freddie Hubbard, Louie Bellson, Donald Byrd, Branford Marsalis, Stanley Turrentine, McCoy Tyner, Arturo Sandoval and Ramsey Lewis. These artists have helped establish the ASU Jazz Festival as a true gem and premier jazz event in the region.
6th Annual Ritz on the River 2019 – July 18, 2019
On Thursday, July 18, 2019, the Vicksburg Convention Center (VCC) will celebrate the 6th Annual Ritz on the River with the party sounds of the 12South Band from Nashville, TN. The band features fun choreography, special effects and a dance floor packed with every song. Tickets go on sale Monday, April 8, 2019. Tickets are $50-advance purchase only. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm and the band begins at 8:00pm. The Havana themed evening will feature an electrifying dinner performance by Salsa Mississippi. Their performance will consist of the some of the area’s top Latin dancers showcasing the Salsa, Samba and Bachata. Tickets go on sale Monday, April 8th and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000 or the Vicksburg Convention Center Box Office. Special sponsorship opportunities are now available. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Warrior Bonfire Program. The Warrior Bonfire Program is an organization created for military service members who have been wounded in combat operations.
The 12 South Band was voted as one the best dance party bands in the United States and will have the audience on their feet the whole night. They are based out of Nashville, TN and perform nationwide. 12 South features multiple singers, tons of choreography, outfit changes, props, specialized lighting and fun interaction with the crowd. 12 musicians including horns, background singers and dancers will make it a night you will not forget!
We take pride in going beyond expectations to provide top quality entertainment and events for the community. For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Elyce Curry or Annette Kirklin at 601.630.2929.
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