MSM ARTS United

As I finally take a moment to reflect on this year’s jazz festival, I’m reminded of a powerful truth: without family and community, we are lost as a people. Dreams and ideas live inside so many of us, but too often they remain just that—ideas. It’s easy to talk about what could be. It takes real courage, humility, and faith to step forward and actually do the work.

What we experienced this weekend at Florida Memorial University was nothing short of extraordinary. As a community, we came together—sharing our time, our talent, and our resources—to celebrate the legacy and impact of Dr. Dawn Batson at the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival.

For four unforgettable days, the music, the love, and the history filled every corner of Miami. Sixteen ensembles and more than 200 musicians—students, colleagues, and friends who studied or worked with Dr. Batson and Melton Mustafa Sr.—came together to honor their legacy. Musicians traveled from the Virgin Islands, New York, Atlanta, and even as far as London to celebrate this moment. That kind of love and commitment speaks volumes.

Bringing this event to life was not easy. There were challenges, long days, and moments of uncertainty. But when I called on my friends and family, they showed up. They believed in the vision. Together, we lifted something beautiful into existence. What we created was bigger than any one person—it was the power of community in motion.

My heart is full. I am grateful beyond words for my family, my friends, and this incredible community. Recognizing, documenting, and celebrating the pioneers among us is one of the most important things we can do. If we don’t honor our history and the people who built the path before us, we risk losing the very foundation that holds us together.

This weekend reminded me that when a community moves with love, purpose, and unity, anything is possible.

The love that was shared was overwhelming. The music was powerful. The legacy lives on.

Mustafa Jr.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOOBC6Daup/?img_index=2&igsh=azVxdXN3YXB1bTl3

Today, we highlight Melton Mustafa (1947 - 2017), a musician and educator whose dedication to jazz education and mentorship helped shape generations of young artists in Miami. Swipe for more facts. #BHM100

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to FMU for a Jazz homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson!!!

2/26 - 3/1 at The Lou Rawls Auditorium

Tickets & details @
https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

Please welcome International Touring Artist Gia Wyre to the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival.

Performing March 1, 2026 at the Lou Rawls Auditorium

Tickets @
https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

Meet the FMU Alumni Jazz Allstars - Leon Foster Thomas, Kirk Green, Doug Carter, Mark Strowbridge 🔥🔥🔥

Performing March 1, 2026 at the Lou Rawls Auditorium

Tickets @
https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

This year’s Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival will feature some of South Florida’s top professors. Dr. Courtney Jones (FAU), Nicole Yarling (UM), Jim Gasior (NWSA), Dr. Zachary Bartholomew (FMU), Waldron Dunkley (BC)

February 28 - March 1, 2026

Https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival would like to invite all student musicans and lovers of jazz to participate in our workshops & master classes. Special performance by FMU Jazz Band & Broward College Jazz Band.

DAY 3 - February 28, 2026
JAZZ WORKSHOPS/MASTER CLASSES

Location: Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
6161 NW 22nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33142

Tickets: $20.00 for students - FREE for parents

Tickets
Https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend welcomes the FMU Funk Jazz ALLSTARS - Wildmayer Marcelin, Mark McClary, Raignor Rollocks, Joel Chinnery, Jaquan Hunter & special guest

DAY 2 - February 27, 2026
CI**RS & JAZZ

GARDENS CIGAR LOUNGE
19801 NW 27th Ave
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
8:00 - 10:00PM
Dress to Impress!

Tickets @ https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com **rs

The MMJF29 welcomes The Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet featuring George Tandy, James Cotman, Julian Pratt

DAY 1 - February 26, 2026
Dinner & Jazz at Lorna's Caribbean & American Grill

LORNA'S CARIBBEAN & AMERICAN GRILL
1952 NW 27TH Ave
Miami Garden, FL. 33056
(RSVP 305-623-9760)
7:00 - 9:00PM
Dress to Impress!

Tickets @ https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com

The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to FMU for a Jazz homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson!!!

2/26 - 3/1 at The Lou Rawls Auditorium

Tickets & details @
https://mmjf29.eventbrite.com