MEDIA RELEASE

29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend Returns to South Florida

February 26 – March 1, 2026 | Miami Gardens, Florida

Miami Gardens, FL — January 29, 2026 — The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to South Florida February 26 through March 1, 2026, continuing nearly three decades of excellence in jazz performance, education, and community impact. Founded in 1996 by internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet legend and Miami native Melton Mustafa Sr., the festival has grown into a cultural cornerstone—celebrating jazz as a living art form and a powerful vehicle for mentorship, education, and artistic preservation. Tickets are available at the MELTON MUSTAFA JAZZ FESTIVAL WEEKEND LINK.

This year’s festival honors the cherished memory of Esaa Mustafa and Zakiyyah Mustafa, recognizing their foundational support and unwavering dedication to the festival’s mission. The weekend also celebrates the enduring legacy of Melton Mustafa Sr., whose artistry and mentorship established the festival as a vital pillar of South Florida’s cultural landscape.

Additionally, the festival proudly honors Dr. Dawn Batson for her transformative leadership in music education and her extraordinary commitment to empowering youth through the arts. Dr. Batson’s advocacy and achievements—particularly in advancing steelpan arts—have created lasting opportunities and positive change for generations of young artists.
 
“The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival is about legacy, education, and nurturing future talent,” said Melton Mustafa Jr., Festival Director. “As we honor our roots, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for young artists and sustaining jazz as a living, evolving art form.”

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for performance and education for local and international artists, students, educators, small businesses, and the broader South Florida community.

“The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival is more than a concert—it is a living celebration of legacy, excellence, and community uplift,” said William C. McCormick Jr., President of Florida Memorial University. “Supporting the 29th Annual Festival affirms our deep commitment to the arts as a powerful force for education, unity, and cultural preservation. This festival honors the genius of Melton Mustafa while inspiring the next generation of musicians, scholars, and leaders—bringing our campus and community together in a shared rhythm of pride, purpose, and possibility.”

Festival Lineup Highlights

The 29th Annual Festival Weekend features a dynamic lineup of Grammy Award–winning, Grammy-recognized, and nationally touring artists, alongside distinguished educators and emerging talent.

Headlining artists include Leon “Foster” Thomas, a Grammy Award–winning producer and renowned steelpanist; Jesse Jones Jr.; Doug Carter; James Cotman; Nicole Yarling; George Tandy Sr.; Kirk Green; and Melton Mustafa Jr., each bringing a celebrated voice and unique artistry to this year’s programming.

The legendary Melton Mustafa Orchestra, an 18-piece big band, will headline the festival with original compositions and jazz standards, honoring its historic contributions to jazz.

Nationally touring artists Mark Strowbridge, Gia Wyre, Dr. Courtney Jones, and Dr. Zachary Bartholomew will perform, with concerts hosted by The Real Tracy Fields. Supporting the festival’s educational mission are respected music leaders and institutions, including Dr. Dawn Batson, Waldron Dunkley, the Broward College Jazz Ensemble, and the FMU Young Lions Jazz Combo.

Audiences will also enjoy performances by the FMU Alumni Steel Pan Ensemble and the FMU Jazz All-Stars, featuring Leon “Foster” Thomas, Kirk Green, Doug Carter, Mark Strowbridge, and James Cotman.
 
Festival Schedule

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 7–9 p.m.
Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill
Festival Kickoff featuring Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet with special guests

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 8–10 p.m.
The Gardens Cigar & Whiskey Lounge
Funk Jazz All Stars deliver a high-energy jazz-and-groove experience

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
Student workshops, masterclasses, performances, band showcases, and food trucks featuring the Florida Memorial University Jazz Ensemble and Broward College Big Band

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Miami Lakes Hotel / Courtyard
Evening performances by DEB’I United and Jerald Dorsett & Friends

Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 5–9 p.m.
Lou Rawls Performing Arts Center, Florida Memorial University
Red Carpet & VIP Reception with New World SOTA Jazz Ensemble, followed by the MMJF Concert featuring FMU Alumni Chorale, Steel Pan Ensemble, Jazz All-Stars, the Melton Mustafa Orchestra, and special guest artists

Community Impact
A portion of festival proceeds benefits MSM Arts United Inc., the festival’s nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to music education in underserved communities. Proceeds support the establishment of an endowed music scholarship for talented, at-risk youth pursuing careers in the arts.

###