Island music lovers will be in luck next Friday, March 13, when the MV Big Band hosts its annual Jazzfest at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center on the regional high school campus in Oak Bluffs.
Along with five pieces performed by the 11-piece student band, the program also features appearances by several professional acts: the Brian Nelson Trio with Taurus Biskis and Michael Tinus, Lucas Nascimento with Taurus Biskis and Kestutis Biskis, and Jeremy Berlin with a special vocalist.
Casual jazz listeners, dedicated jazz fans and those who are simply curious about the music will find plenty to enjoy during the evening, band teacher Stephanie Aurenz told the Gazette.
“Jazzfest is about sharing fun jazz music and warming up after the frigid winter,” she said.
All ages, including families with small children, are encouraged to come out for the 6 p.m. show. A $10 donation to support the band program is suggested at the door, but not required for admission, Ms. Aurenz said.
“We just want people to come and have a good time and just enjoy the music,” Ms. Aurenz said. “They don’t have to be a perfect audience.”
The song list is multi-generational. Alongside 20th-century standards by the Gershwins and Neal Hefti, the MV Big Band also is playing John Powell’s high-energy mambo Adelie Land, from the 2006 animated movie Happy Feet.
The MV Big Band warmed up for Jazzfest by competing at the Massachusetts Association of Jazz Educators festival for the Cape and coastal region last weekend, Ms. Aurenz said.
While the juries’ results were not yet public, she said she was proud of the band’s performance.
“They did so well,” Ms. Aurenz said.
Unusually for a jazz band, this year’s edition of the MV Big Band features two flute players taking the place of alto saxophonists.
Three tenor saxophonists, three trumpeters and a trombonist round out the reeds and brass sections, with an electric bassist, a drummer and a vibraphone player composing the rhythm section.
This article appears in March 6, 2026.