BISMARCK — For more than five decades, the unmistakable sound of swing, soul, and improvisation has been a tradition in Bismarck — a tradition that once again will fill the Belle Mehus Auditorium Saturday, Jan. 31.

The University of Mary will host its 53rd Annual Jazz Festival, culminating in a public concert at 7 p.m.

Several standout student moments are planned for the concert, including senior guitarist Kalen Hill of Minot, a music education major who will be featured on Spyro Gyra’s high-energy “Para ti Latino.”

This year’s festival features internationally respected guest artists, including trumpeter Elaine Burt, trombonist Rich Woolworth, saxophonist Pete Whitman, pianist Dave Barduhn and vocalists Gregory Fletcher and Jamond McCoy of the renowned vocal group M*Pact.

The concert will feature performances by the University of Mary Jazz Combo, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Ensemble, with guest artists appearing both as featured soloists and collaborators. The evening also includes a special small-group combo performance showcasing all of the guest clinicians together on stage.

During the festival, between 40 and 50 middle school and high school jazz ensembles from across the region will perform for adjudication.