Dear Jazz Community,
In a typical year, we would all be preparing to travel to a specific location to participate in our annual JEN conference. Buying flights, booking rooms, preparing to move a large number of students, educators, artists, scholars, and presenters is normally what happens around this time of year. As we all know, COVID-19 has put a bit of a wrench in all of our typical plans this year. We’d all be looking forward to seeing and hearing stellar artists and bands perform, attending a wide array of informative sessions, or just hanging out in that year’s chosen conference location. However, our team has been working non-stop to bring the hang to YOU!
This year’s online experience will include all of your typical Jazz Education Conference events such as our JENerations Jazz Experience, masterclasses, research presentations, a wide array of performances of all kind, and late night socials to connect and hang. This year we’ve been able to assemble what I believe will be the most diverse and stellar group of artists, educators, presenters and student groups to date. We are beyond thrilled to have some of the biggest and most recognized names in jazz music, presenting material that has never been heard in our amazing virtual platform.
2020 has dealt an incredible blow to our industry, paralyzing organizations, schools, clubs, and businesses. However, because of the spirit of jazz music and all that love and care about it, we have persisted and faced the challenges that this year has presented. We have risen to the occasion and have become a stronger community and will be a major contributor to the healing and celebration of the human spirit as we enter into a new year and beyond. We are humbled, honored and excited to be at the forefront of what jazz will offer the world in 2021 and we thank you so much for your support and love. We could not do it without you.
If you’re not a member, please consider joining the family. JEN is a place for all people who love jazz and want to continue spreading its joy worldwide. We welcome you all and look forward to seeing you at JENX2021!
Sincerely,
Sean Jones