Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival

Welcome to the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Website

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival/Workshop was started in December 1996: Supported by Dr. Alfred Pinkston, former Chairperson of Music at Florida Memorial University, and former Florida Memorial University President, Dr. Albert E. Smith.


The festival was designed to expose Middle School, High School and College level students to the educational component of Jazz Music and to help preserve this great original art form of America. 

The continuing mission of the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival/workshop is: to provide an environment where students of Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges and Band Directors can participate and interact with professional jazz musicians for the purpose of fostering and enhancing their appreciation and support of Jazz in our community.

In recognition of some of the greatest names in jazz: Florida Memorial University has honored two jazz greats with Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Dr. James Moody and the late great Dr. Grover Washington Jr.

The following Jazz Artists have performed in concert at theAnnual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival: Najee-saxophone *  Clarke Terry-trumpet * Curtis Lundy-bass * Jon Faddis-trumpet * Benny Golson-saxophone * Obed Calvaire-drums * Ray Drummond-bass * Wallace Roney-trumpet * Herbie Mann-flute * Grover Washington Jr.-saxophone * Melton Mustafa-trumpet * Winard Harper-drums * Billy Cobham-drums * Nestor Torres-flute * Nicole Henry-vocalist * Curtis Fuller-trombone * Terri Lynn Carrington-drums * Kenny Drew Jr.-piano * Patrice Rushin-piano * Idris Muhammad-drums * Abraham Laborial-bass * Bobby Watson-saxophone * Jon Faddis-trumpet * Ira Sullivan saxophone * Dr. Billy Taylor-piano * Mark Whitfield-guitar * Dr. Nathan Davis-saxophone * Jesse Jones Jr.-saxophone * Orrin Evans-piano * Bobby Thomas Jr.-percussions * Dr. James Moody-saxophone * Jimmy Owens-trumpet * Gerri Allen-piano * Ray Drummond-bass * Ralph McDonald-percussions * Dr. David Baker-cello * Donald Byrd-trumpet * Donald Harrison Jr.-saxophone

26th ANNUAL MELTON MUSTAFA JAZZ FESTIVAL presents
“Continuing the Legacy of Jazz”

Celebrating 26 Years of Live Jazz.

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival celebrates 26 years of providing the best in Jazz in South Florida. Get ready to have an amazing time!!!

PRESENTED BY:

  • MSM Arts, Inc.
  • Host Sponsor: The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.


DATES: February 23 – 26, 2023

LOCATION:
The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater
812 NW 2nd, Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

(Please help us to maintain a safe event by wearing your mask, keeping a safe distance 6ft and by following the suggested guidelines given by the CDC)

  • Masks are suggested.
  • All seating will follow social distancing guidelines (unless tickets were bought in a family bundle).
  • Temperature checks will be administered at the door.


The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival was founded 1996 by International Jazz Trumpeter and Legend Melton Mustafa Sr. It is now considered a staple in the community and celebrates 26 years of pure Jazz. This years jazz festival is dedicated to the late Zakiyyah Mustafa and late Melton Mustafa Sr. We thank you for your dedication to the preservation of Jazz Music. This festival is a performance platform for local artists, international artists, students, educators, local businesses and the community. The MMJF25 welcomes all Jazz lovers regardless of their age, background, gender, social economic status, sexually preference, disability or education. Let's Jazz together!!!
- Mustafa Jr.