In March, the Fresno City College City Jazz Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The festival, which has earned a national reputation, gives student performers from schools throughout the state an opportunity to receive scholarships to further their music education.

“Any performance critique is good to hear, especially from professionals,” said Crissy Martinez, a bass player for the Fresno City College Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Martinez had a great experience in the past, participating in the festival as a high school student. She expects the same kind of experience this year when she will perform as an FCC jazz student for the first time.

In addition to performances, the festival will also host workshops. Well known musicians from the national jazz community travel long distances to be part of the festival. Guest performers in the past have included Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, Anthony Wilson and Jeff Hamilton, among others.

Mike Dana, the chair of music department and founder of the festival, does all the work to put the event together with the aid of student volunteers to help with small details. The festival is billed as the most diverse of its kind in California, and has never focused on the “big, shiny trophy,” Dana said.

Jazz educator panels critique student performances, more than 700 of which have participated to date. Scholarships coming mainly from donations are awarded to outstanding student performers. To date, donations have accounted for $100,000 in scholarships for the Berklee College of Music, FCC, and other programs.

Dana understands the value that the experience has for all students involved. It’s an experience that “never leaves you,” he said.

Martinez, the jazz student, said the event is a great chance for people to support FCC.

 “The better the outcome, the more the festival puts Fresno City College on the map,” Martinez said.

FCC Jazz Festival

      The City Jazz Festival takes place March 25 through 27.

Thursday, March 25: student jazz performances, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; jazz workshops, times TBA; performance featuring Tim Ries, Fresno All-Stars and the FCC Jazz Ensemble, FCC theater, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 26: Tierney Sutton Band, FCC theater, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday March 27: Tierney Sutton vocal master class, FCC band room, 11 a.m.