The Vicksburg Convention Center is proud to host the  36^th Annual Alcorn State University (ASU) Jazz Festival featuring the Branford Marsalis Quartet.  The festival will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016.  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, Branford Marsalis Workshop; 7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Mississippi Jazz Educators; 8:00 pm-9:30 pm, Branford Marsalis Quartet.  All events are free and open to the public.
 
For  nearly four decades the Department of Fine Arts at Alcorn State University, with funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Southern Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts, 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.
                
Branford Marsalis is a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award winning saxophonist and Tony Award nominee.  He is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time.  He is a leader of one of the finest jazz quartets today, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles.  Marsalis’ most current recording with his quartet is Four MFs Playin’ Tunes. On this album, the song takes center stage, with the band members bringing their considerable musical expertise to bear, as they focus on each tune as an important musical entity unto itself and not merely a vehicle for showcasing individual talent.  Charles Gans from the Associated Press exclaims, “Saxophonist Marsalis leads one of the most cohesive, intense small jazz ensembles on the scene today…. This album shows that Marsalis' quartet hasn't skipped a beat with the change in the drummer's chair, effortlessly playing often complex original tunes that are thoroughly modern while referencing past jazz masters.” The Branford Marsalis Quartet is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles around today!