Las Vegas Jazz Society Celebrates 50 Years: Festival Highlights and Future of Jazz Education

The Las Vegas Jazz Society, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, aims to support jazz in all its forms. Founded in 1975 by Monk Montgomery, the society has hosted concerts with legends like Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, and Ella Fitzgerald. To commemorate this milestone, a three-day festival is planned, starting with an exhibit at the Nevada State Museum on April 25, followed by music workshops and performances at the Winchester Cultural Center. The festival will feature after-parties at Vic's Jazz Club. The society, an all-volunteer organization, also supports local jazz education programs and is expanding its board to include younger members to ensure its continued growth.