Famed jazz saxophonist Javon Jackson will bring his musical talents to Middle Park Thursday afternoon for a performance at Middle Park High School.

Jacson, a Denver native, is a well-known figure in the jazz world. His repertoire and professional history includes recordings and performances with “a virtual who’s who listing of prominent jazz artists” stated Middle Park High School Music Director Brad Pregeant. During his life as a professional musician Jackson has performed alongside the likes of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Freddi Hubbard, Ron Carter, Betty Carter, Charlie Haden, Stanley Turrentine and Ben E. King to name a few.

Jackson is also serves as Director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at Hartt School. In recent years his touring and recording band has featured the work of pianist and vocalist Les McCann, who Pregeant referred to as “iconic” and “one of the godfathers of soul-jazz.”

Jackson’s scheduled performance Thursday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m. at Middle Park High School, was made possible through a chance encounter between Pregeant and Jackson several years ago in Madison Wis. Pregeant got the opportunity to play with Jackson and invited him to spend a day at Middle Park High School working with Grand County’s young musicians. Jackson will be providing a musical clinic for the students as well as his afternoon performance.

The general public is invited to attend the free event Thursday afternoon at the high school. Donations to the East Grand School District Music Program will be accepted and are encouraged.

Jackson’s visit to Grand County was made possible through funding assistance provided by the Fraser-Winter Park Lions Club, Granby Rotary, Grand County Blues Society, Azteca Restaurant and Brickhouse 40.