Bozeman Magazine

In celebration of Black History Month, the Montana State University School of Music Jazz Workshop Band and One O’Clock Jazz Ensemble will perform a concert of soul, funk and fusion jazz Feb. 24 in Reynolds Recital Hall, preceded by an introduction by educator Godfrey Saunders.

The performance, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will feature compositions from across the genre and will range from old funk to new school acid jazz. Works by George Clinton and P Funk, James Brown, Herbie Hancock and more will be performed. The jazz ensembles are directed by Ryan Matzinger.

Saunders, the superintendent of Belgrade Schools and former Bozeman High School principal, will give a special introduction and remarks. Saunders, who grew up in the segregated Jim Crow South, was the first person in his family to graduate from an integrated school system. He went on to attend Western Montana College on a basketball scholarship and worked his way up through the Bozeman school system to eventually hold the position of principal from 1997 to 2009. 

Tickets for the concert are $5 for students and $10 for general admission. They can be purchased at the door or at https://www.ticketpeak.com/msumusic.