Randy Roach, WSU alumni and instrument repairman remembers coming to the Wichita Jazz festival in the ‘80s.

“When I first started coming to this event I met those who started it all,” Roach said. “What a great legacy to see the festival continue; to grow back up. We are in a different era. This is an event that needs a new audience.”

Last night, a handful of diverse musicians kicked off the 43rd annual Wichita Jazz Festival at the Abode on Douglas.

 In attendance were several Wichita State music department alumni, along with current staff and students.

Guitarists, drummers and wind instrumentalists all gathered in a circle under the white light in the ballroom at the Abode. Nineteen esteemed musicians played a 2-minute set to the audience sitting at the tables in the middle. When the clock ran out, individual musicians didn’t stop making music for a 38-minute jam session.

The festival is a tradition in Wichita, but long-term supporters are looking to see more people in attendance, said Geoff rey Deibel, executive director of the Wichita Jazz festival and WSU assistant professor of saxophone and jazz studies

“It’s a great opportunity for collaboration,” Deibel said.

Renowned guitarist and new WSU professor William Flynn took part in the first night of festivities.

“The more I talked to people around town, the more I realized what a big deal this is,” Flynn said. “I’ve heard a lot of really cool stories and it’s exciting to be a part of building this festival back up.”

Dalton Williams, WSU jazz arts graduate assistant, got a crash course in event planning for the festival.

“I was the right-hand man to get the festival ready,” Williams said. “It was great to see an inside perspective on how organizers get ahold of area high schools and get all the details worked out.”

He came as a spectator for the first night, but will perform trumpet Friday.

The festival will continue at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Wichita Art Museum, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Miller Concert Hall and one final concert featuring a variety of artists at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Miller Concert Hall.