World-class jazz is coming to Minot State University as Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band (BPB) takes the stage on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

This concert is a featured event of the Magic City Jazz Festival, an educational experience designed to provide performance, learning and adjudication opportunities for students from across North Dakota. Tickets are available from Eventbrite.

The festival brings together middle school, high school and collegiate jazz ensembles to perform for and receive feedback from nationally recognized guest artists, including members of Gordon Goodwin’s BPB. Throughout the day, students participate in performances, clinics and adjudications, gaining direct mentorship from professional musicians actively working in the jazz industry.

This year’s concert holds special significance as it serves as a tribute to Gordon Goodwin (1954-2025), honoring his extraordinary legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz. With 25 Grammy nominations, four Grammy wins and three Emmy Awards, Goodwin is widely regarded as the most decorated big band leader of the 21st century.

Internationally celebrated for its high-energy sound and virtuosic musicianship, Gordon Goodwin’s BPB is known as one of the most exciting large ensembles in contemporary jazz. The band has released eight critically acclaimed albums, including “Life in the Bubble,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Large Ensemble Album, and their most recent release, “The Reset,” which continues to push the boundaries of the big band genre.

Beyond jazz performance, Goodwin’s career spanned film, television and popular music. His collaborations included Ray Charles, Christina Aguilera, Johnny Mathis, John Williams, Natalie Cole, David Foster, Leslie Odom Jr., Lang Lang, Idina Menzel and Quincy Jones, among many others. His composing and arranging work earned him three Emmy Awards and a lasting reputation as one of the great musical voices of his generation.

Equally important was Goodwin’s impact as an educator and mentor. His charts, method books and recordings are performed by school and professional ensembles worldwide and remain a cornerstone of jazz education. He also reached audiences through his nationally syndicated radio program, “Phat Tracks with Gordon Goodwin,”

The Magic City Jazz Festival and tribute concert reflect Goodwin’s lifelong commitment to inspiring young musicians, making this performance not only a celebration of his artistry but also a continuation of his mission to nurture the next generation of jazz artists.