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 announce the 2026 JAWS Fest, a two-month-long cultural celebration highlighting Mobile鈥檚 rich jazz, art, and poetry.
鈥淲e are overjoyed to be hosting several events, which will be a one-of-a-kind jazz, art and poetry experience,鈥� said USA Marx Library Outreach and Communications Librarian Paula Webb, co-director of JAWS Fest. 鈥淭he 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.
鈥淎s we celebrate five years of JAWS Fest, we鈥檙e proud to bring excellent jazz, art and storytelling experiences to the Gulf Coast in a way that鈥檚 welcoming and accessible to all,鈥� said Willie Dinish III, co-director of JAWS Fest. 鈥淲ith support from Greene & Phillips, our presenting sponsor, and partners like the University of South Alabama Art Galleries, we鈥檙e 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.鈥�
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 for all events and information.
