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Hurry Back Productions Presents the 2025 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival

Hurry Back Productions Presents the 2025 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival

Join us April 4–6, 2025, for the highly anticipated 2025 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival, presented by Hurry Back Productions. This annual event will bring together schools from across the region for a weekend filled with inspiring performances, clinics, and masterclasses led by expert clinicians and world-class guest artists. The festival will feature a range of activities that highlight the vibrancy and artistry of jazz, culminating in a series of captivating events that promise to be a highlight of the year for both students and the community.

Saturday, April 5 kicks off with an exciting day of performances in the HBP Theater and the Academy Theatre at MCA. High school and middle school jazz bands from across the Midwest will showcase their talents, each receiving valuable feedback from a panel of expert clinicians. This portion of the festival is free and open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience the next generation of jazz musicians up close. It’s a fantastic way for families, students, and music lovers to engage with the rich world of jazz.

“This is truly a unique and extraordinary opportunity for our students,” said Mary Eileen Fitch, President of Cotter Schools. “I’m not aware of another experience like this in the Midwest, where musicians of such high caliber work directly with students, provide personalized feedback and connect their learning to real-world applications. To top it off, our students will enjoy a performance by world-class artists who travel the globe and routinely sell out venues. This incredible experience, made possible through our partnership with Hurry Back Productions, is a testament to the strength of our music programs and the inspiring opportunities we provide for our students and community.”

The evening will continue with a special feature concert at 7:00 PM, presented by Hurry Back Productions, featuring Cory Wong—a Grammy-nominated guitarist, producer, variety show host, and podcast host. Wong’s performance promises to be a highlight of the weekend, bringing his exceptional musical energy to the stage alongside his band, Vulfpeck & The Fearless Flyers. Tickets for this exclusive concert are on sale now, providing jazz enthusiasts with a unique chance to experience Cory Wong live at the HBP Theater in St. Cecilia Hall.

The festival culminates on Sunday, April 6, at 5:00 PM with the annual Cotter Jazz Festival Finale Concert, featuring Cory Wong as the 2025 guest artist. This free concert is open to the public, offering everyone an opportunity to enjoy Wong’s exceptional talents and celebrate the vibrant sounds of jazz. Ticket information and reservations will be released in February, so be sure to stay tuned for updates.

Cotter Band Director Andrew Meurer shared his enthusiasm, stating, “When Mike broke the news to me that we had reached an agreement with Cory for this year, I think my heart stopped for a good minute. This is probably the most exciting thing to happen at Cotter, and in our band program in particular, for more than a decade. Exposure to professional artists is an important part of my jazz curriculum, and I do my best each year to make sure the kids get to experience live jazz and meet real jazz musicians. This is a whole new level though—Cory and his band are truly the best in the business, and our kids' musical lives will be changed through this year's festival.”

For more information, updates, and ticket details, please visit cotterschools.org/jazz-festival.

 

Hurry Back Productions Presents the 2025 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival
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