In partnership with COCA and the Institute for Music Business, the festival features Adam Hawley of Los Angeles, CA. Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire), Adam has played for Brian McKnight, Dave Koz, Jennifer Lopez, The Manhattan Transfer, and many more. Festival kicks off on Thursday, April 11 with a youth music workshop beginning at 4pm. On Friday, a Pre-Jazz Festival Happy Hour begins at 6pm at the Hyatt House featuring the Joel Johnson Jazz band. Saturday, April 13 beginning at 2pm, the Jazz Fest will also feature Noteworthy Live Band of Jacksonville, FL., FAMU’s Jazz Ensemble, Lili Forbes, The James Ward Jazz Band of Kansas City, MO., food truck vendors, art and retail vendors, and fun activities for kids. Community honorees include Dr. Judy Mandrell, Founder and CEO of Dream Builders Greatness Empowerment Center, Ron Sachs, Founder and Chairman Sachs Media and Dr. Shelby Shipman, Director of the Incomparable FAMU Marching 100. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.