POWELL, WYOMING – Grammy nominated vocalist, composer, songwriter, and arranger Michael Mayo is the headline performer for the 43^rd annual Northwest College 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 northwestmusic.org/northwest-jazz-festival/. 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 Beyoncé, 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, “Bones”, in 2021.

Mayo’s sophomore album, “Fly” 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 “Best Jazz Performance” and “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for the 68^th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be announced this February.

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

The Northwest College Jazz Festival is made possible through a community support grant provided by the Wyoming Arts Council.