Jazz Forward Initiative, Inc.

06/05/2026

Second group for the 2026 Mo Jazz Music Festival is Chicago's own Hot Like Mars! Good stuff, Maynard!! They start around 2:25 pm. Saturday, September 12 on the outdoor stage of Rose Music Hall, 1013 Park Avenue in Columbia, MO.

05/01/2026

Taking the third slot of the 2026 Mo Jazz Music Festival is the one and only Tom Andes and his quartet. This will be Tom's 20th performance at a Jazz Forward Initiative (JFI) Festival since 1992. His set will start around 3:40 pm. Expect many great original pieces. Saturday, September 12, 2026.

05/01/2026

The Antonio Foster Quintet of St. Louis starts off the 2026 Mo Jazz Music Festival. His set begins at 1:00 pm on Rose Music Hall's outdoor stage on Saturday, September 12, 1013 Park Ave. in Columbia, MO. Get ready for some great straight-ahead!

04/29/2026

It's all good. Folks! The headliner for the 2026 Mo Jazz Music Festival is . . . . . . . . . . . . The Mark Lettieri Group. Three-time Grammy winner Lettieri brings his quartet, featuring Wes Stephenson on bass, Jason "JT" Thomas on drums, Daniel Porter on keys, and guitarist Lettieri. Mo Jazz doors open at noon and the music starts at 1:00 pm. Lettieri's group should start around 5:15 pm. More info to come shortly. Saturday, September 12, 2026 on the outdoor stage of Rose Music Hall, 1013 Park Ave., Columbia, MO.

04/27/2026

Remember folks! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EXPMjbgTi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/26/2026

We have begun the search for our music lineup for the 2026 Mo Jazz Music Festival. The festival will take place Saturday, September 12 on the outdoor stage at Rose Music Hall, 1013 Park Ave. in Columbia, Missouri. We have confirmed two groups, but won’t mention them yet. We will make the announcement of the full lineup of four groups during jazz appreciation month (April). You just might like this year‘s list! 

01/06/2026

Just another great tune by a great group! Mr. Fun at the 2025 Mo Jazz Music Festival. https://youtu.be/_NOchYufMf0. Kevin Hennessy Jake Pete

Mr. Fun shares their wares at the 2025 Mo Jazz Music Festival. Unbelievably hot day (95°F with a heat index above 100°F). Great tune, played well!Pete Szko...

01/02/2026

Paa Kow was a great light in the music world. Please help out.

We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love in the wake of PK’s passing. We haven’t had the capacity to respond to everyone individually, but please know that every message, share, and gesture has been felt and truly appreciated.

Many have asked how they can support PK’s family, so we are sharing the GoFundMe link below to help care for his two sons and loved ones during this difficult time.

If you’d also like to support through his art, all proceeds from Paa Kow’s music sales will go directly to his family.

“Owuo ntwa adwumayefoɔ akyidifoɔ.”
Death does not erase the footprints of a good person.

https://gofund.me/4846168a3

12/30/2025

Coming up on the last two days of the CoMoGives campaign. Please donate generously to several of the non-profits deserving of your support. And here's what Jazz Forward Initiative brings to the stage each year in mid-Missouri! Columbia, Missouri musicians Mr. Fun groove all day long! Please help JFI continue to bring stellar performance from across the country as well as right here at home! https://youtu.be/kGApCmRxMBU?si=vGHkXFluZms03BRl. You can donate at https://www.comogives.com and click on the Jazz Forward Initiative link on the site. And have a safe (and GREAT) New Year!

CoMoGives makes it easy and exciting to support local nonprofits during the most generous time of year.

12/30/2025

It is with great sadness that we share this information with you about the passing of Paa Kow. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgbXpdnrJ/ He was a bright light who shared his love of music with many. https://youtu.be/vUuXNKDeetA?si=XYWO0yn6AgOBs8G-