Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival

The Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival (GCEHJF) celebrates the inclusive nature of “ethnic” and the dynamic evolution of “heritage” through Jazz music.

As a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, GCEHJF is committed to preserving and advancing Jazz for future generations. Their mission includes educating young musicians about Jazz history and music to inspire them to embrace this art form.

GCEHJF offers a rich blend of entertainment and education, highlighted by events like the Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp and An Evening of Poetry and Jazz. Central to the festival is its main stage jazz concert, a cornerstone of the experience.

The festival features nationally and internationally acclaimed Jazz artists, many with roots in Mobile and Baldwin counties or connections to local school systems. These musicians have significantly contributed to the festival’s success.

Performers at the Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival have included a diverse array of talents, from iconic figures like Lil Greenwood (formerly of the Duke Ellington Orchestra) and Fred Wesley (formerly of the James Brown Review), to contemporary visionaries such as Esperanza Spalding, Christian Scott, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, and Art Sherrod Jr., among others.