Jesse Jones Jr. Jazz Ensemble

Jazz is alive in South Florida and Jesse Jones Jr. is here to prove it! The Miami native is a saxophonist extraordinaire and continues to be on the forefront of a burgeoning jazz renaissance in South Florida. Jones and his brother, Melton Mustafa, who is one of the great trumpet players of our time, have been a running force in music for many years.

As a child, Jones would listen to a neighbor practice his saxophone while playing along with Cannonball Adderly albums. “I loved that sound and knew right then I was going to be a musician for the rest of my life.” Jones went on to attend Mississippi Valley State University where he excelled in music. After college, he joined the military and became a member of the US Navy Show Band. Jones traveled throughout North and South America, and had the opportunity to develop his showmanship skills. Besides playing the sax, clarinet and flute on tour, Jones sang, tap-danced and performed comedy skits. After serving his four year military term, Jones moved to Boston before returning home to Miami, where he signed with Fantasy Records in 1996.

Sunday, January 14th, 2024

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Jazz Age Stage at Lummus Park and 12th Street