The Jazz Education Network will present its 8th Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, January 4 – 7, 2017, with world-class performers and presenters. GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist/recording artist Kirk Whalum will be keynote speaker.
“We are particularly excited about our 2017 Conference’s wide range of activities, workshops, day and evening performances, and special fundraising events,” says JEN president Caleb Chapman. “There will be engaging and enjoyable activities for everyone, whether you’re a live jazz fan, an educator looking to share research with peers, a student looking to grow as a musician, or a company with great products and educational materials to exhibit.”
In addition, this year marks the inaugural JEN Scholarship Concert, a special evening of friends, music and philanthropy Friday, January 7, 2017. The fundraising event, which requires a separate ticket for entry, will raise funds specifically for new scholarships and education initiatives. It will give promising jazz students the unique opportunity to perform alongside this year’s participants, including The Jeff Coffin & Caleb Chapman “Inside of the Outside Project” (featuring Branford Marsalis, Ramsey Lewis, Randy Brecker, Kirk Whalum, Victor Wooten, Rashawn Ross, Stanton Moore, Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Dagradi, John Beasley, and The Crescent Super Band).
Other highlights include:
Evening Performances: The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Eastman Chamber Jazz with David Paich, Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Randy Brecker/Ada Rovatti Quintet featuring Shelly Berg and the Miami Trio, Kim Nazarian, Ellis Marsalis Quintet, Ed Calle & Mamblue, The Royal Bopsters, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Army Blues “Pershing’s Own,” and many more.
The JENerations Jazz Festival, held in conjunction with the annual JEN Conference, in which more than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians of all ages participate in an exciting weekend of jazz!
The conference will host four days of live performances by professional, student, and community groups; educational clinics; research presentations; jazz industry/music business sessions, an industry exhibition, and networking and outreach opportunities.
To see a full conference lineup and to register for the conference, please visit the Conference Central tab at JazzEdNet.org.
