The First Annual Nebraska Jazz Festival is scheduled for March 17-18 on the campus of Nebraska Weslyan University in Lincoln, Neb.
The festival will feature some of the Midwest’s most accomplished jazz musicians and educators and include two performances, a non-competitive contest and several clinics.
Participants include Michigan trombonist Earlie Braggs, who recently toured with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band; Nebraska native Brian Grasmick, who has played trumpet for Cher and Lionel Richie; and saxophonist David Sharp, who has backed Rod Stewart and the Temptations.
The festival will culminate in a non-competitive contest for young musicians from the area, with the featured performers serving as judges. Rather than award a winner, the judges will provide critical commentary to each contestant.
The festival sponsors are Nebraska Weslyan University, Arts Incorporated, the Lincoln Arts Council, the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, the Nebraska Arts Council and Dietze Music.
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