This weekend marks the Revival of the Old Miss Jazz Alumni Reunion on Friday and Saturday May 6th and 7th. Despite a rich history as home to “The Mississippians,” the first collegiate jazz band in America as well as a thriving alumni base, the Jazz Alumni Reunion hasn’t been held in over a decade.
According to local musician and Alumni Band frontman Jeff Callaway, “After recently losing two great former leaders of the Ole Miss Jazz program, we decided it was time to get together, honor our former mentors and friends, and jam all weekend.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, features performances by The Collegians and The Mississippians jazz bands, the Ole Miss Alumni Big Band, reading sessions, and jazz combos performing at Proud Larry’s and Soulshine Pizza on Saturday afternoon.
Callaway, who’s serving as Alumni Band Director, said “It’s great to see such an important tradition revived, the directors at Ole Miss, Dr. Michael Worthy and Adam Estes have done a wonderful job with the program, and we want the students to see that they’re a part of something bigger than just their few years here, that there’s a tradition that goes back to the history and beginnings of the art form.”
Callaway also said that alumni wishing to honor two former directors who have recently passed away, Dr. John McCauley and Dr. Bob Jordan, was a major impetus. “Dr. McCauley and Dr. Jordan influenced such an unbelievable number of people, teachers, students, and we’ll do our best to honor their memories with some great music and memories.”
SCHEDULE (all events are free and open to the public)
FRIDAY MAY 6 – The Inn at Ole Miss
7:30 PM – The Collegians conducted by by Adam Estes (with alumni guest soloist Jeff Callaway), followed by Alumni reading sessions. (Cash bar.)
SATURDAY MAY 7
2-5 PM – Alumni Jazz combos at Proud Larry’s and Soulshine Pizza on The Square.
7:30 PM – Nutt Auditorium
The Mississippians conducted by Michael Worthy, followed by Ole Miss Alumni Big Band. 
