POWELL, WYOMING 鈥� Grammy nominated vocalist, composer, songwriter, and arranger Michael Mayo is the headline performer for the 43rd annual 榴莲直播 Jazz Festival, taking place Monday, March 2 on the NWC campus.

The festival is a non-competitive performance opportunity for vocal and instrumental jazz groups throughout the region at all levels of proficiency. Directors of jazz bands, jazz combos, and vocal jazz groups are invited to register no later than February 16, at . Each registration includes a 20-minute performance slot followed by a 20-minute adjudication slot and admission to the headliner concert.

Throughout the day, high-quality assessment and instruction will be provided by respected jazz educators in a positive and constructive learning environment which encourages young musicians and teachers to grow through camaraderie and musical exchange.

The concert featuring Michael Mayo is open to the public and begins at 1 p.m. in the Nelson Performing Arts Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and will only be available at the door prior to the event.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mayo was part of a musical family that included his mother, a much sought-after background vocalist who performed with Beyonc茅, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, and his father who performed saxophone for Earth, Wind & Fire. Mayo eventually attended the New England Conservatory of Music and the Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA, and following graduation unveiled his full-length critically acclaimed debut album, 鈥淏ones鈥�, in 2021.

Mayo鈥檚 sophomore album, 鈥淔ly鈥� was released in October of 2024, and last year performed his own NPR Tony Desk Concert, featuring songs from both albums. He also received nominations for 鈥淏est Jazz Performance鈥� and 鈥淏est Jazz Vocal Album鈥� for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be announced this February.

The opening act for this year鈥檚 concert features a performance by Jazz Festival adjudicators John Roberts (trombone), Scott Jeppesen (saxophone), Matt Falker (piano/voice), Andrey Gon莽alves (bass), and Zach Paris (drums).

The 榴莲直播 Jazz Festival is made possible through a community support grant provided by the Wyoming Arts Council.