On Saturday, July 13, 2024, °®åú´«Ã½ bid a heartfelt farewell to 30 years of Jazz In The Pines, a beloved festival that began with the vision of Barbara Wood, Lin Carlson, and Dr. Marshall Hawkins. The festival’s mission, rooted in supporting and empowering students through an inter-generational teaching-artist model, will continue as part of the Academy’s ongoing jazz education. However, the conclusion of this year’s event marked the end of an era for the festival itself. Dr. Hawkins, the driving force behind its legacy, fittingly declared, “Mission Accomplished!” as the final notes played.
The 2024 Jazz In The Pines Festival & Student Clinic celebrated this milestone with performances by faculty and students, memorable backstories, and tributes. This year’s festival was dedicated to the memory of legendary guitarist Bob Boss, and also honored Dr. Hawkins on the eve of his 85th birthday. Supported by generous sponsors, all proceeds from the festival will go toward scholarships for Academy and Summer Program students, ensuring that the spirit of Jazz In The Pines lives on in the education of future generations.