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Friday, February 5, 2027

The Montana State University Billings Jazz and Commercial Ensembles are focused on authentically learning multiple styles of Jazz and Commercial music in order for the student to approach future playing and teaching situations with confidence and knowledge. Our ensembles sincerely enjoy sharing the love of music and broadening our own minds as well as those in the community, to become more artistically and culturally aware.

Adjudication

All college, high school, and junior high jazz ensembles in the state are cordially invited to the MSU Billings Jazz Festival, which will take place on Friday, February 5, 2027, at MSU Billings.  

All sizes of ensembles are invited to attend, including big bands, combos, modern bands, vocal jazz, and any other size or instrumentation of Jazz or Commercial ensemble. In addition to adjudication, highly experienced clinicians will also provide improvisation, instrumental, and music production clinics.

This festival is non-competitive and focused on education and nurturing the love of music. Top Soloists of the festival will be awarded at the evening concert. There are no adjudication fees required for this festival.

2027 Artist Information

Tony Austin, Grammy-Award Winner, Drummer, Producer, Composer, and Audio Engineer

Tony Austin and the West Coast Get Down

Tony Austin is an American drummer, producer, composer, and audio engineer known for his versatility across diverse musical styles and his dynamic performances in contemporary jazz and related genres. He has established himself as one of the most sought-after drummers in the United States through his ability to blend technical artistry with broad musical knowledge.

Based in Los Angeles, Austin is particularly recognized for his contributions as a recording and mixing engineer, including his work capturing sessions with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington. His multifaceted career also encompasses composition and production, allowing him to collaborate with various artists and contribute to recordings that span jazz, hip-hop influences, and beyond.Austin's professional presence includes endorsements and profiles highlighting his role in the modern music scene, where his skills have made him a prominent figure among drummers and engineers working in creative and improvisational contexts.

Tony Austin has built an extensive career as a professional drummer through collaborations with numerous high-profile artists across jazz, R&B, hip hop, and rock. His performance credits include work with Carlos Santana, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Roy Hargrove, Gwen Stefani, Lauryn Hill, Patti LaBelle, Willow Smith, Dave Chappelle, Robbie Krieger, and Terrence Howard.As the drummer for the West Coast Get Down collective, Austin has been a key member of this Los Angeles-based ensemble that fuses jazz, hip hop, and soul elements since its formation. The group has served as a platform for his live drumming in various configurations and performances.

Tony Austin has maintained a long-standing musical partnership with saxophonist Kamasi Washington as a core member of the West Coast Get Down, a Los Angeles-based jazz collective formed in the mid-2000s. The group, which also includes bassist Miles Mosley, trombonist Ryan Porter, and keyboardist Cameron Graves among its key participants, emerged from shared residencies at Hollywood's Piano Bar, where twice-weekly performances helped forge the expansive sound that defined their collaborations. Austin's multifaceted role within the collective encompasses drumming, engineering, and production, contributing to both live performances and studio recordings. 

Austin's engineering expertise and drumming have been integral to the distinctive production quality and rhythmic foundation of Washington's recorded output during this period.

Tony Austin has pursued a parallel career in music production and engineering alongside his drumming, with involvement in recording, mixing, and sound design dating back as long as his performance work. He began learning recording techniques and synthesizers early in his career, laying the foundation for his technical contributions to numerous projects.

Tony Austin is based in Southern California, where he has established his professional life as a musician. Austin began private drum lessons at age seven and attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts starting at age 13.He is happily married and a proud father.

Guest Artist Videos

Guest Artists & Adjudicators

More information coming soon!

Concert Tickets

MSU Billings present a Jazz Festival Gala Concert featuring the ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ Jazz Orchestra and Tony Austin and the West Coast Getdown on Friday, February 5, 2027 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  Location to be determined.   Tickets to attend the performance can be purchased online for only $15. Ticket sales open up one month before the Gala concert.  Admission is FREE for ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ students and employees with a valid ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ ID by reserving in advance through the Music Office. If you need help purchasing tickets, please call the Music Department Office at 406-657-2350.

MSU Billings’ past jazz festivals have been very successful with guest artists such as , , , Wayne Bergeron, Katisse Buckingham, Maynard Ferguson, Bill Watrous, Doc Cheatum, George Shearing, Bobby Shew, Nick Mancini, Denis DiBlasio, , Kelly Berdahl, , , , and . Please join us in making this another educational tradition and a musical mainstay in Montana.

For more information please contact John Roberts.