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Jazzoula 2019 drinks from the fountain of youth

Posted at 9:12 AM, May 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-02 11:12:59-04

MISSOULA – Missoula Jazz fans have been treated to the great sounds of “Jazzoula” for 15 years, but there’s a new wrinkle this year that hopes to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Listeners have been getting a taste of what the young musicians have to offer this week, as All-City high school and middle school bands were invited to participate in this year’s five evening event.

The festival has come a long way since it’s humble start in the Wilma Theater basement — attracting the best Missoula, and the surrounding area has to offer, with some outside talent coming in to play.

Jazzoula 2019 runs until May 4 at St. Anthony’s Parish which is located at 217 Tremont Street in Missoula. (MTN News photo)

Grizzled jazz veterans are still riffing, and will be the exclusive players for the rest of the festival, but Jazzoula organizer Bruce Micklus says the kids have been getting rave reviews.

“We’ve got it from top to bottom, old to young. And this is kinda cool for us being able to get the kids to join in with us, and they love it because the audience really takes care of the player. So they were so well received and we had a great time,” Micklus said.

Jazzoula 2019 runs until Saturday, May 4 with a total of 14 groups set to perform at St. Anthony’s Parish which is located at 217 Tremont Street in Missoula.

Tickets are available at Rockin‘ Rudy’s or at the doors, which open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more about this year’s Jazzoula.