To launch free, monthly jazz ‘jam’ sessions where students of all levels can play alongside professionals.
Winner: Gold Coast Jazz Society
Amount: $18,000
About the project: First Friday Jazz Jams will provide students of all ages and skill levels a chance to perform with veteran jazz musicians. A live rhythm section, comprised of professional jazz musicians, will be provided at Fort Lauderdale’s ArtServe facility. Open to middle school students and up, this intergenerational event will provide a chance for the community to witness the development of young jazz talent. And young musicians will be able to hone their musical skills, network with others of all ages and have fun playing great music.
About the winner: The nonprofit Gold Coast Jazz Society was founded in 1992 by Frederick Ruffner and a group of jazz enthusiasts to perpetuate and advance the cultural art form of jazz through performances, education and outreach activities. The organization’s activities include a mainstage concert series at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts of classic jazz, big band and the Great American Songbook featuring local, national and internationally renowned artists; Jazz is Elementary, a series of free jazz education programs in local schools; jazz education concerts for middle and high school students; Jazz for Wee Ones at local child-care sites; free jazz performances in the community and scholarships to deserving and aspiring jazz students through the Jeanette Russell Jazz Scholarship Program.
Web site: http://www.goldcoastjazz.org