MELTON MUSTAFA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to Florida Memorial University for an unforgettable music alumni homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson.
Artists:
Jesse Jones Jr. ~ Saxophone
Mark Strowbridge ~ Guitar
James Cotman ~ Drums
Leon “Foster” Thomas ~ Steel Pan
Doug Carter ~ Piano
Nicole Yarling ~ Violin, Vocal
The FMU Funk Jazz AllStars:
Wildmayer Marcelin ~ Saxophone
Mark McClary ~ Drums
Raignor Rollocks ~ Piano
Jaquan Hunter ~ Bass
Joel Chinnery
Day 2 – February 27, 2026
Cigars & Jazz | Dress to Impress!
Gardens Cigar Lounge
19801 NW 27th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
8:00 – 10:00PM
Festival Tickets: $20.00 ~ $230.00
See full schedule for details.
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PATTI AUSTIN
A Night of Legacy, Voice, and Vision. Patti Austin Pays Tribute to Patrick Williams.
Grammy Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin joins the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and Big Band with Steve Guerra, conductor, for a powerful tribute to the late composer, arranger, and musical visionary Patrick Williams. This unforgettable evening brings to life Williams’ rich, genre-defying legacy—music that was, as lyricist Arthur Hamilton described, “muscular, sensuous, powerful, and captivatingly rhythmical.”
Known for his masterful writing for film, jazz, and the concert hall, Williams received 16 Grammy nominations and a Pulitzer nod for An American Concerto. His music has graced the voices and instruments of legends such as Frank Sinatra, Eddie Daniels, and Tom Scott—and, notably, Patti Austin.
Austin, a revered artist whose career spans jazz, R&B, pop, and the Great American Songbook, brings her unmatched depth, honesty, and elegance to this program. Described by The New York Times as one of the few artists who can authentically channel Ella Fitzgerald, Austin was a close collaborator of Williams, recording several of his works including the GRAMMY-nominated “52nd and Broadway” and selections from his Home Suite Home and Sinatraland albums. Her performances offer not only musical brilliance, but a window into the personal connections that animated Williams’ compositions.
Audiences will be treated to a two-set concert featuring Williams’ bold orchestral works followed by a dynamic second half of big band music and heartfelt vocal performances by Austin. Central to the program will be selections from her celebrated For Ella album, bringing Williams’ sophisticated arrangements and Austin’s commanding interpretations of the Great American Songbook to the forefront.
Tickets: $50.00 General Admission | $45.00 Seniors | $15.00 Student
Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/fyxztdDdmrw
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TERENCE BLANCHARD
Malcolm X Jazz Suite Featuring Terence Blanchard, The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet
In celebration of the centennial of human rights and civil rights icon Malcolm X, NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard will perform his iconic Malcolm X Jazz Suite with his band, The E-Collective, and Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet. Blanchard created the project following the release of Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic Malcolm X, for which Blanchard wrote the score and performed most of the trumpet cues. A reworking of the score for quintet, the Jazz Suite has been updated and expanded and has rippled through Blanchard’s work for the past three decades.
Tickets: $52.65 – $152.10 (includes fees)
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DIANA KRALL
A record-breaking musician, Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her albums have garnered two Grammy Awards and 10 Juno Awards, and include nine gold, three platinum and seven multiplatinum albums.
Her 1999 release When I Look in Your Eyes spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two Grammy Awards and went platinum in the U.S. and Canada, establishing Krall as a powerhouse of the genre. Her album This Dream of You garnered critical acclaim and displayed the effortless virtuosity that has become Krall’s musical signature. Krall’s artistry and musicality transcend any single musical style, making her one of the most recognizable artists of our time.
Tickets: $76.05 ~ $231.66 (includes fees)
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GREGORY PORTER
Gregory Porter, who is known for his rich baritone voice and his grounding in soul, jazz, and gospel traditions brings his Love Is King tour to Carnegie Hall. His performances include interpretations of standards by artists such as Nat “King” Cole as well as original compositions that reflect his distinctive style.
Produced by Troy Miller (Jamie Cullum, Laura Mvula), All Rise is Porter’s sixth studio album and fourth on the Blue Note label, following his Grammy-winning Liquid Spirit (2013), which helped define his musical presence.
Tickets: $38.50 ~ $361.00
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