Courtesy of Wadsworth Productions Credit: Ralph Moore
Founded by retired professor and former music department Chair Charles M. Frank, the Lakeland Jazz Festival is now in its 47th year. It’s left quite a mark over the decades too. More than 30,000 middle and high school musicians from throughout the state have participated in the annual event during its 47 years.

This year’s event takes place on March 15, 16 and 17 at the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center (D-Building) at Lakeland Community College.

Middle and high school performances and adjudication take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

The spotlight concert will feature the Ralph Moore Quartet. The group will play a tribute to John Coltrane at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. An hour prior to the concert, Ideastream’s Dan Polletta will host a pre-concert interview with Moore. Tickets cost $20, or $10 for students.

The festival concludes with a Big Band Matinee concert that takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. Those tickets cost $10, or $7 for students.

This article appears in Feb 13-19, 2019.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.