Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Jazz music, founded in 1991 by Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. With a mission to educate and entertain audiences about the rich history and cultural significance of Jazz, the organization has become a leading institution in the Jazz world, collaborating with artists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk. Through its various programs and initiatives, Jazz at Lincoln Center has worked with esteemed institutions like the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Philharmonic. The organization's efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts.

● History

The history of Jazz at Lincoln Center is deeply rooted in the Jazz tradition, with influences from legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. The organization's founding in 1991 was a result of the efforts of Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and other prominent figures in the Jazz community, including David Sanborn, Paquito D'Rivera, and Branford Marsalis. Over the years, Jazz at Lincoln Center has evolved to include a wide range of programs and initiatives, from concerts and festivals to educational workshops and community outreach, often in collaboration with organizations like the Jazz Foundation of America, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. The organization has also worked with notable artists such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Wayne Shorter, and has been recognized for its contributions to the preservation and promotion of Jazz with awards like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the NEA Jazz Masters award.

● Performances and Events

Jazz at Lincoln Center hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year, featuring a diverse range of Jazz musicians and ensembles, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis Septet, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The organization's concert series and festivals, such as the New York Jazz Festival and the Winter Jazzfest, showcase the work of both established and emerging artists, including Kamasi Washington, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. Jazz at Lincoln Center has also collaborated with other prominent arts organizations, such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, Village Vanguard, and the Apollo Theater, to present unique and innovative performances, often featuring artists like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. Additionally, the organization has partnered with institutions like the Library of Congress, National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution to present concerts and events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Jazz.

● Education and Outreach

Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to providing educational and outreach programs that promote the understanding and appreciation of Jazz music, often in collaboration with organizations like the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Jazz Foundation of America, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. The organization offers a range of programs, including workshops, masterclasses, and lectures, led by renowned musicians and educators like Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, and Bobby McFerrin. Jazz at Lincoln Center also provides resources and support for Jazz educators and students, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Summer Jazz Academy and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition, which have been recognized by institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Grammy Foundation. Furthermore, the organization has partnered with schools and community organizations, such as the New York City Department of Education, Harlem Children's Zone, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to provide Jazz education and outreach programs to underserved communities.

● Venues and Facilities

Jazz at Lincoln Center is headquartered at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City, a state-of-the-art facility that includes the Rose Theater, The Appel Room, and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. The organization also presents concerts and events at other venues, including the Alice Tully Hall, David Geffen Hall, and the Vivian Beaumont Theater, often in collaboration with institutions like the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Philharmonic. Jazz at Lincoln Center's facilities and venues provide a unique and intimate setting for Jazz performances, with excellent acoustics and stunning views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. The organization has also partnered with other prominent venues, such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, Village Vanguard, and the Apollo Theater, to present Jazz concerts and events throughout the city.

● Leadership and Organization

Jazz at Lincoln Center is led by a team of experienced professionals, including Wynton Marsalis, who serves as the organization's managing and artistic director, and Greg Scholl, who serves as the executive director. The organization's board of directors includes prominent figures from the Jazz community, such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Wayne Shorter, as well as business and philanthropic leaders like David Rockefeller, Henry Kravis, and Robert F. Smith. Jazz at Lincoln Center is also supported by a network of advisors and consultants, including Jazz musicians, educators, and industry experts, such as Branford Marsalis, Christian McBride, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. The organization's leadership and staff work together to develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote the mission and vision of Jazz at Lincoln Center, often in collaboration with institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts, Grammy Foundation, and the Jazz Foundation of America.

● Programs and Initiatives

Jazz at Lincoln Center offers a range of programs and initiatives that promote the understanding and appreciation of Jazz music, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition. The organization also presents concerts and events that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Jazz, such as the New York Jazz Festival and the Winter Jazzfest. Additionally, Jazz at Lincoln Center provides educational and outreach programs, including workshops, masterclasses, and lectures, led by renowned musicians and educators like Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, and Bobby McFerrin. The organization has also launched initiatives like the Jazz at Lincoln Center Summer Jazz Academy and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Archives, which provide resources and support for Jazz educators, students, and researchers, often in collaboration with institutions like the Library of Congress, National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution.