Two days of jazz music will swing in full force as music talent from across the state takes to the stage of the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center for the 57th Annual SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival. Hosted by Sam Houston State University School of Music, the event is the oldest jazz festival in Texas.

The festival begins with a showcase competition of young Texas talent as middle school, high school and college jazz groups strike up their best sounds in back-to-back performances throughout the day. Competition performances throughout the two days are open to the public with free admission starting at 9 a.m. 

Each evening will conclude with a 7:30 p.m. finale concert featuring an awards ceremony and concert performance with jazz legends, Watrous and Allen Vizzutti and the SHSU Jazz Ensemble. Tickets to the evening concerts can be purchased at 936-294-2339 or online.