Top college and high school Jazz Bands to perform April 28 and 29 

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Visitors to Historic Folsom will have the opportunity to watch live performances by some of the best college and high school jazz bands on the West Coast during the final weekend of April with a brand-new event, the California Jazz Championships.

The Live Performing Arts Academy – a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering arts education and opportunities is hosting the inaugural event on Friday, April 28 through Saturday, April 29, 2023. Over 20 bands from California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington will perform and compete on 3 stages throughout the two-day event. 

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“The event is entirely free to spectators who are encouraged to wander from stage to stage, enjoying music in the outdoors,” said LPAA founder and Folsom High School music teacher, Curtis Gaesser. Modeled after the European style of jazz festivals, this is the first annual event that will come to Historic Folsom each year. 

Performances begin at 10:00 a.m. PST on Friday and continue at 30-minute intervals until 5:30 p.m. On Friday, April 28, special guest artists Kerry Marsh and Julia Dollison of the Capital Jazz Project will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Zittel Stage.

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On Saturday, performances begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m. The Final concert of the night brings the top 3 bands from each division to perform on the Zittel Stage beginning at 7:00pm. Admission to enjoy the performances is free to the community.

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The Live Performing Arts Academy is a non-profit organization founded by the Grammy-nominated Folsom High School Teacher, Curtis Gaesser and fellow jazz educator and vocalist, Gaw Vang-Williams. 

Live Performing Arts Academy is a non-profit organization with the mission to provide live performing arts education, opportunities, and experience for all students. To join LPAA reach out to info@liveperformingartsacademy.com. Visit LivePerformingArtsAcademy.com for more information. 

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