By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK— Student musicians from across the Wiregrass will take the stage this week as the David Bolich Ozark Jazz Fest is held at the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts.
The event, named in honor of the late, longtime Carroll High School band director David Bolich, who started the Jazz Fest, will take place Friday, April 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
A lineup of performances from area school bands is scheduled throughout the afternoon, beginning with Daleville High School at 12:30 p.m. Dothan High School will follow at 1:00 p.m., with D.A. Smith Middle School performing at 1:30 p.m. Dale County High School will take the stage at 2:00 p.m., followed by Carroll High School at 3:00 p.m. The event will conclude with the Dale County Honor Jazz Band at 4:00 p.m.
The festival celebrates music, allowing local students to showcase their talent while also honoring the life and legacy of David Bolich, an award-winning educator who dedicated over three decades to music education. Bolich passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Bolich is even honored on the mural in Downtown Ozark.
In an announcement about the event, Carroll High said, “Mr. Bolich was a strong advocate for Jazz in schools, and for years ran the Ozark Jazz Fest. We are happy to bring back the fest in his honor. Come out and listen to groups from our area.”
A graduate of Auburn University and Troy State, Bolich touched the lives of thousands of students, inspiring them to be the best they could be. Throughout his career, he became known for his high standards, passion for teaching, and commitment to mentoring both students and fellow band directors. His influence extended well beyond the classroom, as he helped shape generations of young musicians and built lasting relationships across Alabama’s music education community.
Even in retirement, Bolich remained active in the field, volunteering in band programs across the Southeast and continuing to support music education. His legacy lives on through the students he taught, the educators he mentored, and the festival that now bears his name.
The public is encouraged to attend and support local music programs while celebrating the enduring impact of a beloved educator. The Flowers Center for the Performing Arts is located at 312 E College Street, Ozark, AL, across from the Ozark Civic Center.
