<p>Dear Friends, </p><p>I am excited to announce the 2017 San Joaquin Delta Jazz Festival featuring Sammy Miller and the Congregation. This year the festival will be on Saturday, December 2nd . The festival and competition is an all-day event sponsored by San Joaquin Delta College and the Division of Arts & Communication. We are inviting Middle School, High School, College Big Bands and Combos to attend. For more information on fees and categories, please see the attached application. </p><p>Performances will be in three different venues here at Delta College. Each ensemble will receive recorded comments, scoring and a clinic by outstanding jazz educators. The Festival is competitive and the top three ensembles in each division receive trophies. However, you may choose to perform for comments and clinic only. I encourage you to send your application in early to allow for scheduling and organization. I will accept applications without payment as long as payment is postmarked by 11/1/17. After this, late fees will apply. </p><p>Each year the festival features internationally renowned musicians. This year’s featured artists will be Sammy Miller and the Congregation. We have decided to have the concert take place at 1:00 pm in Atherton Auditorium. In years past, many bands that attended the festival did not choose to stay for the evening concert. I am hopeful that having the concert during the day will allow many more of you to enjoy a great performance. Tickets for the concert will be discounted to $10.00 if purchased by November 1st for anyone who wants to attend. Please feel free to call me directly if you have any questions. Please pass this information on to anyone interested!</p><p>Here is a little bit about Sammy Miller and the Congregation:</p><p>“Sammy Miller and the Congregation are on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. We play joyful jazz-music that feels good. It is a style that entertains, enriches, but most of all uplifts.” http://www.sammymillercongregation.com</p><p>Thanks so much for your consideration and I hope to see you on December 2, 2017. </p><p>Sincerely, </p><p>Brian Kendrick 209-403-6332 [email protected]</p>