“Sometimes I wish I could walk up to my music for the first time, as if I had never heard it before. Being so inescapably a part of it, I’ll never know what the listener gets, what the listener feels, and that’s too bad.”

- John Coltrane
 
   
JAZZ FESTIVALS
 

Jazz Online

WNUR-FM Jazz Web


Jazz Educators
The leading international organization for the promotion, preservation and appreciation of jazz. The site is primarily informational, describing IAJE's mission, structure, membership and programs, including its annual conference and award ceremony, scholarships, workshops and other educational/outreach projects. Not to be missed are the excellent articles--one taken from each edition of the Jazz Educators Journal, published six times a year since 1969.

Jazz Journalists Association
Fairly self-explanatory name, but a strong, unique, informative site. Extensive updated content provided by the JJA staff and the organization's 300+ membership, a highly knowledgeable bunch. Features include the excellent "Postcards from the Festival Trail," great photographs and art, enlightening discussions, and what-we-wish new Web links section on the home page. Bookmark it.

JAZZNET
In 1999, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Jazz Initiative created JazzNet, a group of regionally recognized jazz presenters from across the country who receive Foundation funding for endowment, technical assistance and programming support.

  • The American Jazz Museum: In Kansas City, MO, this building, located in the former heart of the city's jazz scene, features traditional museum exhibits and resources, plus an interactive recording studio, the Wee-Bop Room for children under 8, and the Blue Room, which by day focuses on Kansas City's jazz heritage and four nights a week is a working jazz nightclub.
  • The Artists Collective: The main focus of this Hartford, CT-based group is its training programs, which teach dance, music, drama and the visual arts to both children and adults. They boast an excellent youth jazz orchestra comprised of outstanding young musicians ages 13-21.
  • CITYFOLK: Located in Dayton, OH, this group is is the Miami Valley's traditional and ethnic arts presentation and educational organization.
  • Contemporary Arts Center: The Center is located in New Orleans, LA, and presents exhibitions and performances of works by local, regional, national, and international artists. The Center also offers educational programs and provides technical and development support for local artists.
  • Earshot Jazz: A non-profit music, arts and service organization supporting and increasing awareness of jazz in the Seattle, WA, community through its performance presentations, educational programs, and support of local artists.
  • Flynn Theatre: Vermont's premiere arts center, located in a restored 1930's vaudeville theater in Burlington.
  • Manchester Craftsmen's Guild: A multi-discipline, minority directed, arts education and presenting organization in Pittsburgh, PA.
  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation: Dedicated to preserving, perpetuating and encouraging the music, arts, culture, and heritage indigenous to the New Orleans area. Producers of the "original" Jazz Fest, the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
  • Outpost Performance Space: Since 1988, a live music presenter located in a storefront space in Albuquerque, NM.
  • Painted Bride Art Center: An innovative arts and music presenter located in Old City, Philadelphia, PA.
  • San Francisco Jazz Organization/Jazz in the City: The primary jazz presenter in the Bay area, with extensive educational and performance programs, including an annual festival.
  • Jazz in America: The National Jazz Curriculum: Created with JazzNet funds by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Jazz in America is a truly unique Internet-based jazz curriculum that will be made available to all 5th, 8th, and 11th grade public school students in the United States.
  • Newark Public Radio/WGBO: Our fabulous NPR member station!

Jazz Reach
Started in 1994, this Brooklyn, NY-based group has become a leading jazz education organization focusing on in-school programs and dedicated to making jazz music a greater part of the American consciousness. Their current program, "Get Hip!" targets children ages 5-7.

American Federation of Jazz Societies
A homely little site, good for the budding regional jazz society. One redeeming feature: the "Jazz Hotlines Across America" page--50% of a sampling were functional. This is good place to list the best regional jazz society sites, worth checking out if you live in or are traveling to their part of the country: Jazz West (SF Bay Area), Twin Cities Jazz Society (Minn./St. Paul), JazzHouston.com, the Las Vegas Jazz Society.

Jazz Institute of Chicago
This attractive site's main asset is the JazzGram section, which contains solid locally-focused articles and interviews. Also, information about the legendary institute's programs, JazzFest, and a well-maintained club calendar.

 
Copyright 2007 JAM