Summer 2023

Thursday afternoon in March. It’s beat. It’s a funky, old, 60-year-old horse arena. It hasn’t had much done to it. When you realize how we transform it, everything from the sod we install to keep the dust down, to the incredible advances in sound reproduction over the decades. It’s really gratifying, fun and exciting.” One of the jewels in the MJF crown is its edu- cation program. “The festival was founded as a nonprofit in 1958. Jimmy was smart in his for- ward-thinking vision in that regard. The educa- tion program started over 50 years ago with the California High School All Star Band, now the national Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. We’ve never paid lip service to jazz education. It’s always been a forward-facing, strong part of our DNA and something we do year-round. We’re constantly challenging ourselves to being more relevant, just as we do with the festival.” Many performers who have gone through the program have gone on to jazz careers, including Patrice Rushen, Mark Turner, Dave Coz and Donny McCaslin. What does life look like for Tim Jackson after three decades at MJF? “I’ll be here until February 2024, then serve as an advisor for a time. A lot will depend on my successor and if they require help or guidance.There’s an inter- national search for that person and we’re hop- ing to introduce them at this year’s festival. But it’s time to pass the torch. I’m staying at Kuumbwa. We’re celebrating 50 years in 2025 and I’ll be there at least that long. “I’ll be able to play music a lot more and I’m open to projects, to teaching workshops, but I have no interest in producing another festival. This has been great and a lot of fun, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the Monterey Jazz Festival for all these years.” Jackson backstage, keeping his eye on things from behind the scenes at the festival. First as executive director and more recently as artistic director, Jackson has improved the artist experience at the historic Pattee Arena. 122 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 Jackson enjoying the festival with his family, (from left to right) son Bennett Jackson, Jackson, wife Lori Chavez, and daughter Nina Jackson. Photo: Jim Stone Photo: Randy Tunnell