_{By Mike Romero}

The St. George Jazz Festival returns this weekend for its 10th year, continuing a run that has steadily positioned Southern Utah as an unlikely but consistent stop for world-class jazz. This year’s featured guest is saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón, performing with the Rebel Jazz Band at the Eccles Fine Art Center at Utah Tech University.

Zenón’s work sits at the intersection of modern jazz and Latin American folkloric music, built on deep research and a clear compositional voice. His playing is precise without feeling academic, rhythmically adventurous without losing momentum.

The Rebel Jazz Band, whose focus is on preserving the classic big band sound while allowing room for contemporary influence, provides a framework that makes the collaboration feel natural rather than ornamental.

Education has always been central to the St. George Jazz Festival’s identity. Since its founding in 2017, the festival has paired headline performances with clinics, competitions, and direct access to nationally recognized musicians. Past guests include Eric Marienthal, Bria Skonberg, Bob Reynolds, Wayne Bergeron, and Chuck Findley. These are all names that signal both credibility and long-term investment in young players.

The weekend begins with the High School Combo Competition on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 PM, which is free and open to the public. The festival concert follows on Saturday, January 31 at 7:30 PM, bringing together students, educators, and listeners who value jazz as a living tradition.

Big band music endures because it adapts without erasing its history. The St. George Jazz Festival operates on that same principle: steady growth, thoughtful programming, and an understanding that the music works best when it’s heard live.

Tickets are on sale here. Make sure to follow St. George Jazz and Miguel Zenón on Instagram, and stream his song “Cómo Fue” below!