USA to Co-Host Fifth Annual JAWS Fest, Celebrating Jazz Art and Poetry
Posted on May 7, 2026
The University of South Alabama Marx Library and the Jazz Art Writers South announce the 2026 JAWS Fest, a two-month-long cultural celebration highlighting Mobile’s rich jazz, art, and poetry.
“We are overjoyed to be hosting several events, which will be a one-of-a-kind jazz, art and poetry experience,” said USA Marx Library Outreach and Communications Librarian Paula Webb, co-director of JAWS Fest. “The festival will have music, art and poetry. We are inviting everyone to join us.
JAWS Fest has become a cornerstone event of the Gulf Coast arts and music scene. The 2026 season will officially kick off on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in the Marx Library Auditorium and the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art with the legendary Excelsior Band featuring Will Phillips. The historic brass Excelsior Band was founded in Mobile in 1883.
“As we celebrate five years of JAWS Fest, we’re proud to bring excellent jazz, art and storytelling experiences to the Gulf Coast in a way that’s welcoming and accessible to all,” said Willie Dinish III, co-director of JAWS Fest. “With support from Greene & Phillips, our presenting sponsor, and partners like the University of South Alabama Art Galleries, we’re able to create something special. We thank our community for showing up year after year and invite everyone to come experience JAWS Fest with us.”
All JAWS Fest events and gallery exhibits are free and open to the public. Gallery hours at the library will be Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit JAWSFestival.com for all events and information.
