MOJO Jazz

MOJO 25th Anniversary Band Schedule

Subject to Adjustment

  • Symone French: Welcomes our guests at The Outsider Bar.
  • Markes & Company: Kicks off the 25th Anniversary show on the Main Stage.
  • Ayers Bros. Band: Plays a 40-minute set. For the final two songs of the set, Markes Johnson, Markel Johnson, and Steven Johnson will step up to join the band.
  • Excelsior Band Second Line: Performs in front of the stage and leads a second line around the grounds and out to the street immediately following the Ayers Bros. Band set.
  • Roman Street (and friends): The headliner performance begins in a Jazz Combo Style once the second line returns. Joined By Gino Rosaria and Alvin King.
🎵 Now Playing: September On Dauphin Street

MYSTIC ORDER OF THE JAZZ OBSESSED PRESENTS

25th Anniversary Jazz Jam Fest

A Quarter-Century of Living the Jazz Obsession

📅 Monday, September 28, 2026 | 📍 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cedar Street Social Club Complex — 522 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL

25 Years of Keeping the Groove Alive

From Founder Kevin Lee & The MOJO Archives:

For a quarter of a century, the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO) has stood as the heartbeat of Mobile’s vibrant jazz community. Founded with a simple yet passionate vision—to preserve, promote, and celebrate live jazz along the Gulf Coast—MOJO has spent 25 years championing master musicians, nurturing rising stars, and building an unwavering community of music lovers.

What started as a shared passion on Dauphin Street has grown into a 25-year legacy of monthly jams, educational outreach, and unforgettable performances. As we celebrate our silver anniversary at the Cedar Street Social Club Complex, we honor the sound, the history, and the loyal members who make the obsession worth sharing.

Welcome Act — Outsider Bar

Symone French
Outsider Bar Host

Symone French

Setting the tone for the evening inside the Outsider Bar, Symone French brings a captivating fusion of soul, jazz, and contemporary energy. Recognized across the Gulf Coast for her command of stage presence and velvety vocal delivery, Symone seamlessly blends classic influences with fresh, modern sensibilities. As our official welcome act, her performance offers attendees an intimate, acoustic-driven prelude to the main stage lineup, inviting guests to grab a craft drink, soak in the atmosphere, and kickoff MOJO's 25th Anniversary celebration in style.

Main Stage Opening Acts

Alvin Kinghttps://mojojazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Alvin.webp
Main Stage

Markes & Company

Led by multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Markes Johnson, Markes & Company delivers an explosive blend of contemporary jazz, funk, and groove-heavy improvs. Renowned for tight arrangements and dynamic soloist interplay, the ensemble has earned a loyal following across regional jazz circuits. Johnson's masterclass approach to rhythm and melody guarantees an opening performance packed with high energy, virtuosic solos, and seamless crowd interaction to ignite the Main Stage.

Main Stage

Ayers Bros. Band

Featuring Andrew Ayers and friends, the Ayers Bros. Band brings rich musical heritage and deep musical chemistry to the 25th Anniversary stage. Rooted in traditional Southern jazz and blues traditions, the group weaves sophisticated harmonic structures with soulful melodies. Their interactive live performance showcases why they remain a favorite among Gulf Coast jazz enthusiasts, setting a high standard for the evening's main stage celebration.

Main Stage Intermission

The Excelsior Band

Traditional Mobile Second Line Parade connecting the venue spaces!

The Excelsior Band

No Gulf Coast celebration is complete without Mobile’s historic Excelsior Band. Formed in 1883, this legendary brass ensemble carries over a century of brass tradition, leading our 25th Anniversary Second Line Parade between Main Stage sets. Expect vibrant horns, infectious rhythms, and traditional parading that gets the entire crowd moving.

Main Stage Headliners

Roman Street
Featured Headliner

Roman Street

Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed 'the next generation' of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.

Gino Rosaria
Featured Headliner

Gino Rosaria

Pianist and composer Gino Rosaria brings chart-topping contemporary jazz mastery to the MOJO main stage. Known for smooth keyboard stylings, Latin jazz grooves, and melodic sophistication, Rosaria has headlined festivals across the country. His performance delivers emotional depth, lightning-fast keystrokes, and memorable hook lines that capture the true spirit of contemporary jazz.

Featured Headliner

Alvin King

A powerhouse in live performance, Alvin King rounds out the headlining roster with soulful expression and unmatched command of his instrument. King’s dynamic stage presence and deep roots in traditional and modern jazz fusion ensure a climax set that reflects the very best of MOJO's 25-year history of live excellence.

Box Office & Passes

Join us in celebrating 25 years! All event proceeds directly benefit MOJO educational programs and live jazz preservation.

General Admission $35
V.I.P. Pass $65
Student Ticket $15

Featuring: Rising Stars Showcase (Jarvis Wright) • Specialty Bar & Menu • MOJO Merch • Local Vendors

Supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts & the Mobile Arts Council.