The Montgomery Jazz Alliance (MJA) is Central Alabama’s premier collective of world-class jazz musicians, delivering unforgettable performances for any occasion. Founded by trombonist Trevor Sikorski, saxophonist/pianist Tim Stuart, and guitarist/bassist Joe Lauziere, MJA unites top-tier performers and educators dedicated to keeping the region’s jazz scene thriving. Whether it’s a sophisticated set at a wedding or corporate event, a high-energy festival performance, or a deep dive into jazz education, we tailor each experience to captivate our audience. With flexible instrumentation and group sizes ranging from a jazz trio to a septet, MJA adapts seamlessly to any venue or event, ensuring the perfect sound and energy for every setting. Expect fiery solos, infectious grooves, and the kind of musical chemistry that turns every performance into an unforgettable experience—whether you're swinging to a straight-ahead standard, vibing to a Neo Soul groove, or getting lost in the textures of modern jazz.

Montgomery, AL – The Montgomery Jazz Alliance (MJA) is lighting up downtown Montgomery with its high-energy jazz jam sessions at Prevail Union, the city’s premier community coffeehouse. These regularly hosted gatherings have become a cultural cornerstone for the River Region—an open-door platform for collaboration between jazz legends, local heroes, and rising stars.

The sessions have drawn widespread attention for their quality and inclusivity, offering a space where world-renowned musicians and local talent share the same stage. In one unforgettable evening, Fred Wesley—the legendary trombonist, former James Brown musical director, and icon of American funk and jazz—graced the jam session with a performance that left the room buzzing.

“To have someone like Fred Wesley play in an intimate setting like Prevail is unreal,” said MJA co-founder and trombonist Trevor Sikorski. “It’s living jazz history, and the energy in the room was electric.”

The MJA jams have also welcomed members of the 151st Army Band (Alabama Army National Guard), including performers from the Youngbucks Brass Band, further showcasing the deep musical bench within Alabama’s military community.

A consistent standout at the sessions has been saxophonist La’Roy Bodiford, who brings national touring experience with Ruben Studdard, Jeff Lorber, and Rick Braun. His masterful command of both straight-ahead and smooth jazz idioms has made him a fan favorite at Prevail and a mentor to younger musicians.

The sessions also highlight the talents of local jazz educators and performers who are shaping the next generation. Saxophonist and music educator Coleman Woodson Jr. is a regular contributor, known for his warm tone, improvisational creativity, and commitment to nurturing student musicians across Central Alabama.

Performing an artist-in-residence for the month of July, phenomenal drummer and latin jazz expert Benjamin Wheldon III and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Cowling bring a fresh take on the group's core repertiore of bebop, ballads, soul jazz, and fusion. Both musicians have earned respect across the Southeast for their versatility, groove, and musical maturity far beyond their years and are a welcome addition to MJA's summer line up.

“These aren’t just jam sessions,” said MJA co-founder, pianist and saxophonist Tim Stuart. “They’re living classrooms, creative labs, and community celebrations all rolled into one. Every session brings something fresh, whether it’s straight-ahead swing, New Orleans funk, or contemporary jazz fusion.”

Each jam night offers a rotating cast of players and spontaneous moments of musical brilliance. From blistering solos to soulful ballads, the sessions reflect the full emotional spectrum of jazz—while keeping the door open for newcomers and seasoned players alike.

“We’re building a jazz community from the ground up,” said bassist and educator Joe Lauziere, another MJA founding member. “These jams are about access, mentorship, and making sure Montgomery remains a city where world-class jazz can thrive.”

Hosted regularly at Prevail Union, the MJA jam sessions are free to attend and open to musicians of all levels. For audiences, they offer a front-row seat to some of the most vibrant jazz in the South. For performers, they offer the kind of collaboration and community that fuels artistic growth.

As the Montgomery Jazz Alliance continues to gain momentum, one thing is clear: jazz is not just alive in Montgomery—it’s thriving, one jam session at a time.

Stay connected with the Montgomery Jazz Alliance on Facebook and YouTube for event dates, artist features, and performance videos.

Montgomery, AL – Starting this May, downtown Montgomery will get a weekly dose of live jazz as the Montgomery Jazz Alliance kicks off a new series of Thursday night jam sessions at Prevail Union. The events will run every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., with no cover charge, no age restriction, and an open invitation for local musicians to sit in and play.

Held in the welcoming space of Prevail Union, the sessions will feature drinks by Prevail and fresh slices from the city’s favorite pizza spot, “Can a Brotha Get a Slice.” The house band will include MJA founding members Tim Stuart (piano/saxophone), Trevor Sikorski (trombone), and Joe Lauziere (bass), with Benjamin Wheldon III and Juantez Robinson sharing drumming duties. Whether you’re a jazz lover, casual listener, or musician ready to jump in, Thursday nights at Prevail promise good vibes, great music, and a true community hang.

MONTGOMERY, AL — Shoppers and music lovers alike were treated to a vibrant afternoon of live jazz as the Montgomery Jazz Alliance took the stage at the Dexter Ave Micro Market last weekend, Apr 29th, 2025. The ensemble transformed the breezy marketplace into an open-air jazz club, delivering a rich blend of styles from bebop to funk, soul jazz, and classic ballads.

Led by trombonist Trevor Sikorski, the group featured Tim Stuart on piano, Joe Lauziere on bass, and special guest Juantez Robinson on drums, who traveled in from Huntsville for the performance. Together, they brought an electrifying energy to every tune, engaging listeners with expressive solos, tight grooves, and infectious enthusiasm.

The event took place outside Prevail Union MGM, a downtown coffeehouse known for its strong brews and support of the local arts scene. The alleyway adjacent to the shop was lined with local vendors, food trucks, and artists, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. As the aroma of espresso mingled with spring blossoms and swinging melodies, a mix of marketgoers, coffeehouse regulars, and curious passersby gathered to enjoy the free performance under sunny skies.

The setlist highlighted works by legends like Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, & Ray Charles as well as classic standards, each introduced with brief historical notes that invited the audience deeper into the music’s rich heritage. A standout moment came with their hip hop-tinged rendition of Freddie Hubbard's “Mr. Clean” closing out their first set with an infectious jam that left many attendees lingering with smiles.

With their top-tier musicianship and genuine community spirit, the Montgomery Jazz Alliance is proving that jazz is not only alive in Montgomery—it’s thriving.

MONTGOMERY, AL – The Montgomery Jazz Alliance delivered a powerful lecture and performance at MAP 360 Gallery in downtown Montgomery, AL, on February 19, 2025, highlighting the deep connection between jazz and the Civil Rights Movement for 25 eighth-grade students and chaperones from The Dalton School in NYC. Part of the Dalton Global Initiatives Tour, the event featured poet, author, and human rights activist Marco Mays, resident MAP 360 artist RC Hagens, and MJA members Tim Stuart (saxophone and keyboard), Trevor Sikorski (trombone), and Joe Lauziere (electric bass), along with special guest Juantez Robinson (drums).

The group began with an overview of jazz history as it relates to the Civil Rights Movement, tracing its roots from Congo Square in New Orleans through the swing and bebop eras of the Harlem Renaissance, into the soul jazz and hard bop movements of the 1960s, and culminating in modern jazz’s freedom of artistic expression with Kenny Garrett’s Sing a Song of Song. Sikorski illustrated jazz’s role in community expression with a demonstration of New Orleans Second Line traditions through Joe Avery’s Blues. Stuart followed with a discussion on Work Song by Nat Adderley, explaining how jazz musicians used their music to spotlight cultural issues and critique social injustices, particularly racial inequality, as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum—especially in Montgomery and Birmingham.

Students clapped, danced, and participated in a lively post-performance Q&A, engaging deeply with the historical and cultural significance of jazz. The Alliance, along with Mays and Hagens, expressed gratitude to MAP 360, The Dalton School, and MAP 360 Director Geneva Watford for hosting the event and looks forward to future collaborations.