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All sessions feature our Musical Host Raphael Semmes
Featuring: Dowell Taylor
It's gonna be a HOT Summer. It's only June and already the sweltering, humid heat has arrived. Fortunately our guest for this month's edition of the Jazz Series knows a few things about heat: the heat of long afternoon outdoor rehearsals preparing one of the nation's most famous (and even WORLD FAMOUS) marching bands to perform before thousands of fans. Dowell Taylor spent a number of special years in his musical career directing that band, which we all know as the mighty "SONIC BOOM." Our host Raphael is sure to ask Dowell to share some of those experiences on the field with the band representing Jackson State University (which is ALSO the home of WJSU 88.5 FM... the best Jazz station in the land). The main reason he will be joining us at Fusion however is to play Jazz with some of the finest musicians in the Metro in tow.
Says Raphael, "We are excited to have Dowell visit and play his piano on the Jazz Spot. We've wanted to have him come in for quite a while, and we're glad it's happening." This session is going to be another good one so arrive early for best seating! Also, as far as the aforementioned heat, don't worry! The Jazz Spot like our coffee will be HOT, but we will NOT. We will be comfortably indoors with air conditioning and our supply of real Italian gelato to keep us extra cool. Feel free to wear your favorite JSU attire and be ready for a great afternoon of LIVE JAZZ!
Held April 11, 2026
Check out the highlight reel below, and you can seen more photos on the festival website!
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