NEW ORLEANS – Thousands of jazz educators, fans, students and musicians will gather at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans for the Jazz Education Network’s (JEN) 8th Annual Conference, Jan. 4-7.
GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist and recording artist Kirk Whalum will present the keynote address; other performers include Branford Marsalis, Victor Wooten, Randy Brecker and Stanton Moore.
The four-day event will feature a wide range of activities, workshops, performances and an Exhibition Hall where major manufacturers and entrepreneurs will exhibit musical instruments, sheet music and other products for musicians. Jazz musicians from across the country will benefit from clinics and sessions covering topics such as marketing and branding for jazz musicians, plus DIY musician revenue streams, as well as jam sessions and networking opportunities. There will be performances throughout the day and into the evening from high school and college bands, as well as professional bands from around the country. Evening concerts will feature top musicians such as The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Sean Jones Quartet.
On Thursday, Jan. 5, GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist/recording Whalum will present the keynote address.
The inaugural JEN Scholarship Concert will take place during the conference, Friday, Jan. 6. This exclusive fundraising event will provide funding for a new scholarship and education initiatives, and give promising young jazz students the opportunity to perform alongside Branford Marsalis, Kirk Whalum and other leading musicians at the event.
JEN is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. With a home base in the United States and members in more than 23 countries, this thriving organization hosts a popular annual conference that serves teachers, students, artists, performing arts presenters, music industry partners and enthusiasts. JEN runs ongoing programs of scholarships and awards for students and educators, student composition showcases, community outreach, music and instrument donations to schools in need, and mentoring with jazz pros and students.
The JEN Annual Conference was last held in New Orleans in 2011. This year’s conference is projected to have an economic impact of nearly $3 million.
MAJOR EVENTS
Wednesday, Jan. 4, Thursday, Jan. 5 and Saturday Jan. 7: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Evening Concerts; artists vary nightly; INSPIRATIONS Stage, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Empire Ballroom, Level 2
Wednesday, Jan. 4 – Friday, Jan. 6: 11:00 p.m.-Midnight; Evening Concerts; artists vary nightly; LeJENds Stage, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Storyville Hall, Level 3
Friday, Jan. 6: 7:00 p.m.; 1st Annual JEN Scholarship Concert; Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Celestin Ballroom E, Level 3
Friday, Jan. 6: 9:00 p.m.-Midnight; Evening Concerts; INSPIRATIONS Stage, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Empire Ballroom, Level 2
