‘Next Generation’ Invades Monterey March 22–25

  I  

The third annual Next Generation Festival, part of the Monterey Jazz Festival, will take place March 22–25 in downtown Monterey, Calif.

The event, devoted to the future of jazz, includes the Festival’s 37th annual National High School Jazz Competition, with big bands, combos, vocal ensembles and individual musicians competing for a spot on the stages of this summer’s 50th annual Monterey Jazz Festival.

More than 40 groups from 10 states across the country will participate in the Next Generation Festival, which represents the largest gathering of young jazz talent on the Monterey Peninsula outside of the Monterey Jazz Festival itself.

A kick-off concert will be held at Monterey’s Golden State Theatre featuring the judges from the National High School Jazz Competition and 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival artist-in-residence Terence Blanchard.

For more information, visit: www.montereyjazzfestival.org



  • Flea_by_Gus_Van_Sant_copy.jpg

    “Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”

  • 2026_Cecil_McLorin_Salvant_Sullivan_Fortner_Big_Ears.jpg

    Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.

  • JAM_posters_-_a_selection_cropped.jpg

    Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.

  • NikBaertschs_RONIN_by_Christian_Senti.jpg

    “We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”

  • The_Bad_Plus_by_Evelyn_Freja_copy1.jpg

    ​Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.