WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL FOUNTAIN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Sponsored by Columbus Jazz Society, happening April 12th (Saturday) at Jordan High School (3200 Howard Ave, Columbus, GA 31904)! This is a FREE event, open to ALL AGES

• This festival will be a celebration of the future of jazz in our community and will feature high school and middle school jazz bands in our school districts and surrounding areas. 
• We have invited the best educators to provide positive critiques and reinforcement to help guide our students and future jazz artists.
• Last but not least, the 2025 CJS Scholarship winners will be announced during this event which includes:
• $750 to Two (2) High School Students
• $1,500 to One (1) College Student

We look forward to seeing y’all there!

Woodwinds 

Luther Smalls is an accomplished musician and educator with a career spanning over 20 years. He began his professional journey with U.S. military bands, performing and teaching across the United States and Europe. Throughout his career, Luther has led a wide variety of ensembles, specializing in Soul, Jazz, Funk, and alternative music styles. Currently, Luther serves as a Senior Enlisted Musician with the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band at Fort Moore, Georgia. He is also an active performer in the Columbus, Georgia, and surrounding areas. Luther holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Education in Music from Boston University, with a concentration in Community and Popular Music. His extensive education and experience as both a music educator and performer have shaped his unique approach to music instruction and performance. A proficient musician, Luther is skilled in playing tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, as well as bass guitar. He is available for clinics, performances, and private instruction. Luther enjoys teaching and sharing the art of improvisation with students of all levels.

Rhythm Section

Jason DeBlanc, a versatile and skilled bass player, began his musical journey at the young age of 16, gigging in the vibrant city of Birmingham. As a student at Auburn University, Jason was an integral part of the AU Singers, AU Jazz Band, and the renowned Auburn Knights. His musical versatility was further showcased as he played the tuba in the Marching Band, Pep Band, and Concert Band, eventually rising to the position of drum major. Currently, he shares his expertise as an adjunct instructor with the Auburn University Commercial Music program. Jason’s remarkable ability to cover any style has made him a sought-after musician throughout the Southeast, and his dynamic performances have captivated audiences far and wide.

Vocal

Jan Hyatt attended the University of Mississippi, Auburn University and Columbus College/Columbus State University earning a Bachelors in Music (1975), a Masters in Music Education (1987) and an Education Specialist degree (2002). She was the first Georgia National Board-Certified Music Teacher from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (2002) and held certification for 20 years. After co-founding the Columbus Jazz Society as a non-profit in 1987 she has continued to serve on the board of that organization for more than 35 years. Her service in the Muscogee County School District was carried out at Gentian and Forrest Road Elementary schools as well as Richard’s and Midland Middle Schools. Her choirs performed for the Georgia Music Educator’s In-service conference (Christ Church, Savannah), at the Georgia State Capitol and at the Governor’s Mansion. She was inducted into the Columbus State University Education Hall Of Fame in 2006. Professionally Ms. Hyatt continues to perform regionally and has done so since 1972. She has gratefully served throughout the state as a GMEA adjudicator since 2003. served throughout the state as a GMEA adjudicator since 2003.

Brass

SGT Adam Mitchell is a musician and educator from Waycross, Georgia. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Columbus State University. He taught for 11 years at Jordan High School and Hardaway High School, where his ensembles consistently earned Superior ratings at both marching and concert band evaluations. In addition to teaching, he served as the District III Band Chair for five years, supporting music education across the region. After leaving the classroom, he served in the Georgia National Guard for two years before transitioning to active duty, where he has been a bandsman (with emphasis in trumpet performance of all styles) for the past five years. He is blessed with a wonderful wife, Kendal, and their four children: Wyatt, Ryder, Benjamin, and Amalia.

If you or your company would be interested in SPONSORING these scholarships or providing a new one in your/company’s name, please reach out to president@columbusjazzsociety.com]

Food trucks and vendors are encouraged to participate. Please reach out to president@columbusjazzsociety.com]