The California Jazz Arts Society
The California Jazz Arts Society
The California Jazz Arts Society (CalJAS) is a Public Benefit Corporation organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation law for public and charitable purposes 501(c)(3). The specific purpose of this corporation is to preserve and promote jazz and other American art forms through public concerts, workshops and presentations.
The primary activity of the organization is to plan, organize, present, and promote concerts by prominent jazz artists, mostly in intimate settings in which dialogue with the audience can take place. One series of these concerts, under the title Boatman/Summers Presents was initiated in April 2004 and ran through 2006. Our current HOUSE CONCERT series began in 2007 and will continue to expand throughout 2010. Not only do these concerts provide performance opportunities for jazz artists, but the program is moderated in such a way that audience members can ask questions of the artists, as well as allow time for the artists to discuss instrumentation, types and styles of jazz, why and how they became involved in jazz, major influences in their music, and future plans. Some of our concerts include student performers from our CalJAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. Proceeds of these concerts assist with the CalJAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. Please contact us if you are interested in hosting an intimate jazz event.
Another goal of the organization is to organize and promote jazz workshops for students and adults. Young guitarists, for example, will be able to attend, at a nominal charge, a workshop by some of the most well known guitarists in the field of jazz. Similarly, saxophonists, pianists, vocalists, drummers, bassists, etc., will also be able to attend workshops by leading players. Our first workshop was presented in October 2005 in conjunction with the Empire Music Teachers Association featuring the wonderful jazz pianist Karen Hammack and jazz performances from students ranging in age from 6 to 16. 2006 gave students several opportunities to perform in a concert venue with professional jazz musicians. 2007 instituted the CalJAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, giving promising young students an opportunity to study with some of LA's finest jazz musicians. 2009 featured two HOUSE CONCERTS in which our students were able to perform with noted jazz artists. 2010 promises to increase performance opportunities as well as continue the scholarship program for promising students. Music teachers who would like to arrange a workshop for their students, or recommend someone for a CalJAS scholarship should contact us.
During the summer of 2005, The California Jazz Arts Society, in conjunction with the World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle, presented the first ever musical concert series in that prestigious venue. Although a private club, through CalJAS, members of the public were invited to attend these special events. CalJAS plans to continue the series during 2010.
In 2005, CalJAS, in conjunction with Galli's Piano & Jazz in Rancho Cucamonga, instituted a Wednesday night jazz series in order to bring name jazz artists to the Inland Empire on a regular basis. The series ran from October 2005 until June 2009.
CalJAS was honored to assist Claremont's Hip Kitty jazz club during their initial opening by introducing some of our regular performers to Claremont audiences.
During 2007 and 2008 CalJAS assisted ChrisAly Jazz in introducing JAZZ AT THE AMBASSADOR, and JAZZ AT THE HIGH DESERT CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Victorville.
In 2009, CalJAS presented jazz in conjunction with the esteemed STEAMERS JAZZ CLUB AND CAFE, a relationship we hope will continue and grow in 2010.
CalJAS has been a sponsor of the annual Inland Valley Jazz Festival in Ontario, The Long Beach Jazz Festival, and the first annual Upland Music and Arts Festival.
CalJAS regularly collaborates, supports, and co-sponsors jazz activities with other jazz societies, colleges, and universities.
Art exhibitions, whether thematically connected to American Jazz, presented in conjunction with jazz concerts, or as separate activities, are an additional goal for our organization in its efforts to promote and preserve jazz and other American art forms. Many of the Boatman/Summers Presents evenings, have also featured art exhibits by prominent painters and photographers, as well as local and student showings. Artists who wish to show their work at one of our events should contact us.
Other concerts, lectures, and performances of additional American art forms will be investigated and hopefully implemented by our organization. Examples of activities we would like to include are: The American Theater; The Great American Songbook; American Folk Music Yesterday and Today, American Stories or Storytellers, American Literature and Writers/Poets, American Comedy and Vaudeville, The American Magician, American Puppetry, American Film, American Music Performances or Performers of all types (which could include, but certainly not be limited to, everything from Choral, Barbershop, Classical and Chamber), and Dance.
A major goal for CalJAS in 2010 will be to expand our efforts in these areas.
Todd Johnson (bass)
Kristin Korb (bass; female vocalist)
Luther Hughes (bass)
Baba Elefante (bass)
Llew Matthews (keyboard)
Bruce Babad (woodwinds)
Glenn Cashman (Sax) Joe Jewell (guitar)
Kendall Kay (drums)
Scott Ickes (drums)
Kate Reid (female vocalist)
Bill and Jean Klinghoffer (Friends of Jazz)
Michael Heilpern (lajazz.com)
Milt Larsen (The Hollywood Magic Castle)
Find out about making a contribution to the California Jazz Arts Society