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Austin High School is one of seven bands that will be participating in the 2024 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival on April 6-7.

Cotter Schools in Winona will host the event, which is presented by Hurry Back Productions.  This event promises a weekend filled with captivating performances, enriching masterclasses, and a showcase of talent from eight middle school and high school jazz bands.

Along with Austin, bands participating include Cotter High School, Central High School in La Crosse, Winona Senior High, Lake City High School, Heritage Middle School in St. Paul, Lewiston High School, and J-W-P Jazz from Janesville, Waldorf, Pemberton.

The festival kicks off on Saturday, April 6, with a master class led by the esteemed clinician, St. Paul Peterson. This exclusive session will provide participants with invaluable insights and guidance from. Following the master class, attendees can catch St. Paul Peterson performing alongside Cotter students on Sunday, April 7, in what promises to be a memorable collaboration.

On the evening of Saturday, April 6, a concert featuring St. Paul Peterson and the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars will take place at the St. Cecilia Theatre. This electrifying performance promises an evening of funk-infused melodies and infectious rhythms. Tickets for the concert can be purchased online through Hurry Back Productions (hurryback.org).

Concluding the festival on Sunday, April 7, is the annual Cotter Jazz Concert, featuring Paul Peterson and horn players Scott Agster, Riley Helgeson, and Peter Vircks. This special event, held at the St. Cecilia Theatre, will showcase Cotter’s four jazz bands alongside these exceptional guest artists. The concert is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich tradition of jazz music.

For more information visit cotterschools.org/jassfestival.