From its beginnings as a simple concert featuring two high school jazz bands, the Katy Jazz Festival has grown into a two-day event that has gained national recognition, even capturing the attention of the Smithsonian Institute. This year's festival takes place at Katy High School on April 25 and 26, the last weekend of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Katy ISD, which hosts the festival, will present performances by student and professional jazz musicians. Photos from the KatyFotoFest will be on display on Saturday, adding a visual element to the weekend of music.

"We found in the past that a lot of people who really appreciate good music seem to enjoy and appreciate fine art," said Robert Bryant, executive director of fine arts for Katy ISD.

The festival begins April 25 with performances from student jazz combos and big bands throughout the day. Student performers will receive immediate feedback from the participating professional jazz musicians, giving the festival an educational component as well.

"They basically get a master class on the spot," Bryant said.

Friday evening's featured performers are trumpeter Dennis Dotson and his Quartet and trombonist Andy Martin and the MSM Jazz Orchestra.

Student combo and big band performances continue into Saturday. Professional artists will also be performing throughout the day. The festival will close after a featured concert with the Katy ISD All-Star Jazz Band, followed by The Mike Vax Sextet.

Several Katy hotels are partnering with the Katy Jazz Festival and offering discounted room rates to visitors coming to Katy for the event. Guests can buy tickets in the hotel lobbies. The festival is providing shuttle service between these hotels and Katy High School.

The festival has grown in prominence with each year. Bryant said he now has many professional jazz artists contacting him, asking to be a part of the festival. In fact, so many artists want to participate that they are now required to submit audition tapes for review and selection before anyone is booked.

"It's just going to get bigger and stronger and more prominent," said Bryant.

Schedule:

April 25

Feature Concert, 7:30 p.m.

The Dennis Dotson Quartet

Dennis Dotson – Trumpet

Michael Wheeler – Guitar

David Craig – Bass

Joel Fulgham – Drums

Andy Martin – Trombone

With the MSM Jazz Orchestra

Directed by Noe Marmolejo

April 26

Feature Concert, 7:30 p.m.

The Katy ISD All Star Jazz Band

Directed by Bruce Melville

The Mike Vax Sextet

Mike Vax – Trumpet and Flugelhorn

Scott Whitfield – Trombone and Vocals

Rick Condit – Saxophone and Flute

Jeff Colella – Piano

Jennifer Leitham – Bass and Vocals

Gary Hobbs – Drums

Tickets:

Daily pass ticket prices include free shuttle service from/to hotels, admission to all performance venues, ARTkaty exhibit, but does not include the featured concerts.

April 25

$3 – Daily ticket

$20 – Featured concert

$20 – "Bundled" ticket (includes daily and featured concerts)

April 26

$7 – Daily ticket

$20 – Featured concert,

$25 – "Bundled" ticket

$40 – All events ticket for both days