JAF Transparent Logo 900x155
PO BOX 163
LEXINGTON, KY 40588-0163
Mission Statement
The Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc. is a corporation whose avowed mission is to "enhance the awareness of Jazz as a performing art". Since its founding in 1989, the JAF has committed itself to the purpose of educating the public about Jazz Arts through the promotion of awareness and sensitivity to Jazz, and to upgrade it as an art form to the level of community acceptance and support equal to that given other performing arts.
 
The Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc., a local non-profit group, is funded primarily by memberships and tax deductible donations.  We do not receive any funding on a regular, annual basis from third parties.  Please consider helping us accomplish our mission of promoting jazz by joining JAF or making a donation in any amount. 
JAF is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Since the goods and services given for JAF membership meet the standards for insubstantial value set out by the IRS in Rev. Proc. 90-12, 1990-1 C.B. 471, and Rev. Proc. 92-49, 1992-1 C.B. 987, membership dues and any donations may be fully tax deductible. Be sure to check with your tax advisor if you have any questions.
NOTE: There will be no Board Meeting in June or July.
The next regularly scheduled JAF board meeting is  Wednesday, August 7, 2013
in the small meeting room at the Tates Creek Branch Library at 7PM.
 
All Board Meetings are open to the public, however, please contact Dave McWhorter, JAF President,
by phone at (859) 273-5193 or Email if you plan to attend. Thank you.
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Thursday, June 13:  The Jazz Arts Foundation and the Lexington Public Library continue their "Jazz: Live at the Library!" series of monthly concerts at the Central Library Theatre, 140 East Main St. in downtown Lexington.  Show #75 will feature the Mike Wade Quartet with special guests. Show time: 7 - 8:30PM. Admission:  FREE.
 
Ongoing:  Jazz: Live at the Library! The series, which began April 12, 2007, takes place in the Lexington Central (downtown) Library Theater on the second Thursday of each month from 7 - 8:30 PM, and is FREE to the public. The Jazz Arts Foundation is proud to help present a monthly series of live jazz performances by some of the region’s best musicians who will bring back to life the golden age of local jazz.  Since its inception, the series has brought in top-flight musicians & educators from Lexington, Cincinnati, Bloomington, Columbus, Dayton and Louisville areas.  International musicians from Brazil and Russia have also performed as part of the Jazz: Live at the Library! Concert Series.  Once again a generous donation from Jamey Aebersold Jazz has extended the series to June, 2014 which allows JAF to continue to bring in new musicians and fan favorites to fulfill its mission of "Enhancing the Awareness of Jazz as a Performing Art."
 
Check your Cable TV schedule for Library Channel 20 to view previously recorded shows from the Jazz: Live at the Library! Concert Series.
The series is sponsored by Jamey Aebersold Jazz, and the Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc.
 
We are a "listener supported" organization. Our only source of operational funding is from memberships - please become a member so we can continue the Jazz: Live at the Library! series as well as produce other jazz performances and concerts throughout the year.
 
Click HERE for Dave M. Birdwhistell's photos of the January 10, 2013 performance - Jay Flippin Quartet with Vocalist Kasi Crooks-Davis
Click HERE for Dave M. Birdwhistell's photos of the February 14, 2013 performance - Craig Tweddell Sextet
Click HERE for Erik Scott Birdwhistell's photos of the February 14, 2013 performance - Craig Tweddell Sextet
Click HERE for Dave Birdwhistell's photos of the March 14, 2013 performance - Vocalist Jesse Laine Powell with Raleigh Dailey Trio
Click HERE for Erik Scott Birdwhistell's photos of the March 14, 2013 performance - Vocalist Jesse Laine Powell with Raleigh Dailey Trio
 
Click HERE for photos of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 performances
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THE 4TH ANNUAL LEXINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2013, 1 - 7PM
Talon Winery, 7086 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY
 
The Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc. (JAF) along with Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) present the annual event at Talon Winery for the enjoyment of the community.
 
Click HERE to purchase advance tickets NOW. You can also purchase advance tickets from the Festival website.
 
National recording artist, Denny Jiosa, announced for 2013  Festival
We are proud to announce that smooth guitarist, Denny Jiosa, will headline this year's Festival. Backing Jiosa will be Kenny Zarider/Keyboards - played with KC and the Sunhine Band; Glen Caruba/Percussion - played with Jimmy Buffett and Glenn Frey; Mitch Reilly/Saxophone - toured with Tiffany, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Jose Feliciano; Raymond Massey/Drums - toured with Vern Gosdin and Tanya Tucker; Keith Kenyon/Bass - performed with Patti Labelle and Little Feat. Denny currently has 6 chart topping contemporary jazz CDs as a soloist that you can sample on his website where you can also find more information about him.
 
Steppin' Out magazine wrote: "Take the classic cool jazz of the late Wes Montgomery,stretch it with the contemporary sounds of jazz masters like Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton, add a dollop of B.B. King blues and Eric Clapton blues rock, and temper it with Latin-tinged, soaring, fluid solos like Carlos Santana, shake it and bake it, and you have Denny Jiosa!"
 
The other groups who will be playing this year are:
O-Zone
Jamey Aebersold Quartet
The Library Players with Greg Figgs and Kasi Crooks-Davis
 
Gates open at Noon. Event held Rain or Shine.
Advance tickets at $25 are currently available at (children 12 and under free):
Talon Winery Tasting Room - they will accept cash, credit cards and personal checks
Wine Styles, corner of Nicholasville Rd. and Moore Dr., next to Raising Cane's, Lexington, Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM M-Sat. - they will accept cash and personal check
Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) - (859) 246-6225
Tickets at the gate will be $30 (cash only at gate).
 
Bring a picnic basket, a blanket or lawn chairs and your family for a full day of musical enjoyment for everyone. Special Jazz Festival commemorative labeled wine will be available for purchase as well as other wines, soft drinks and water.
 
Food  for purchase will be provided by Jackson's Restaurant from Richmond, KY.
 
For much more information, and to purchase advance ticekts, visit the official Festival website at www.lexingtonjazzfestival.com
 
Click HERE for a full color poster for viewing, downloading, or printing.
 
Presenting sponsor:  Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Gold sponsor:  Baptist Health Lexington
Silver sponsor: James Motor Company
 
TV Media Sponsor - WLEX (Channel 18) and Radio Media Sponsor - WUKY (91.3 FM)
 
In case you missed the 2012 Festival, click HERE for a great review of the event by Robert Cunningham at Examiner.com, along with some very nice photos and even a video.
Plan your Spring and Summer end of the month Sundays now
 
The Jazz Arts Foundation presents Jazz on the Porch at Talon Winery (7086 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY) from 3 to 6PM
This is a 4 month series on the last Sunday of the month and FREE to all. Bring your picnic basket, chairs, tables, blankets, children, and ears for a great outdoor Jazz treat. Wine, beer and softdrinks will be available for purchase. Click HERE for a full color poster for viewing, downloading, or printing.
No outside alcoholic drinks are permitted.
Sunday, May 26: Mark Gardner
Sunday, June 30: Baja Yetis
Sunday, August 25:  Westbrook Trio
Sunday, September 29: Mark and Friends
The concerts will take place rain or shine, so plan now to be there and bring your family and friends.
Sebastian Bradley 2013 DukeMadisonScholarship
2013 Annual Duke Madison Memorial Scholarship Recipient Named
The Jazz Arts Foundation is very pleased to announce that the 2013 Duke Madison Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Sebastian Bradley. Sebastian is an alto saxophonist for the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra's Jazz Arts Orchestra (CKYO JAO) and is in the 10th grade at the Lexington Latin School. Click HERE for a short bio of Sebastian and click on the "Jazz Arts Orch" tab to the left for additional information about JAO and the Duke Madison Scholarship.
CURRENT & FUTURE LOCAL JAZZ HAPPENINGS
 
Tuesday, May 14:  The Big Band and Jazz series continues with last year's two venue format with the first of 7 concerts at the Moondance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater in Beaumont and then returns to Ecton Park from July 2nd to August 27th. This year's inaugural concert will feature the Young at Heart Big Band from 7 to 8:30 PM. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets for this FREE long running concert sponsored by Lexington Parks and Recreation. For more information, call 288-2925 or visit the Big Band & Jazz webpage. Click HERE for the full 2013 schedule.
Monday, May 20: The DiMartino/Osland Jazz Orchestra (8:00-9:15) with special guests: the Osland/Dailey Jazztet (7:15pm), Comedy Off Broadway, Lexington Green, $10 cover $5 for students. For reservations: 859.271.JOKE (5653).
Friday, May 24:  The 6th Annual Big Band Showcase featuring: the MetroGnomes and the Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors, FREE - 7:30pm, Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall.
Tuesday, May 21:  The Big Band and Jazz series continues at the Moondance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater in Beaumont with The MetroGnomes from 7 to 8:30 PM. The series will return to Ecton Park from July 9 - August 27th. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets for this FREE long running concert sponsored by Lexington Parks and Recreation. Click HERE for the full 2013 schedule. For more information, call 288-2925 or visit the Big Band & Jazz webpage.
Tuesday, May 28:  The Big Band and Jazz series continues at the Moondance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater in Beaumont with The Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors (BAJA) from 7 to 8:30 PM. The series will return to Ecton Park from July 9 - August 27th. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets for this FREE long running concert sponsored by Lexington Parks and Recreation. Click HERE for the full 2013 schedule. For more information, call 288-2925 or visit the Big Band & Jazz webpage. Click HERE for the full schedule.
 
Check back for future Jazz concerts and events.
 
Be sure to check here often for all the Local Jazz events in the Bluegrass as reported, and updated each week, by the Webmaster.
CURRENT AND FUTURE REGIONAL JAZZ HAPPENINGS
 
Check back for future Regional jazz concerts and events to be listed.
 
Ongoing weekly/monthly:  Click HERE for the Blue Wisp Jazz Club, 18 E Eighth St, Cincinnati, OH calendar.
 
Click HERE and HERE for listings of Jazz venues in the immediate Region and surrounding States.
 
If you would like your Jazz event added, send an E-mail to the Webmaster.
Regular Jazz Events:
** The DiMartino-Osland Jazz Orchestra (DOJO)  performs at Comedy off Broadway the last Monday of the month. Call 271-JOKE. 8 PM; $6.25. Lexington.
** Occasional jazz offerings are hosted at Natasha's Cafe at 112 Esplanade, Lexington. Call 259-2754 for info.
** Wednesdays at the Julep Cup (formerly Cafe Jennifer) at 111 Woodland Ave. features the duo of Paul Osborne/sax and Harold Young/keyboards performing jazz standards beginning at 8PM. Call 226-0300.
 
Local Artists and Ensembles:
-- D.J. Rice and the Payin' Dues Blues Band
-- Saxophonist Miles Osland's enterprises
 
Jazz Radio:
-- Jazz Vault on WRFL 88.1 each Sunday from 8 PM to 10 PM, hosted by  Bill (Blair) Scott.
-- Jazz on WEKU 88.9 FM Fridays from 10PM - Midnight, Saturdays from 12:00AM to 5:00AM and on WKYL Classic 102.1 FM Saturdays from 6:00PM to 11:00PM. Check their website for specific shows.
-- Jazz 24 hours per day on WUKY HD3. The programming can be accessed with an HD Radio, online at WUKY, or via WUKY's free smartphone apps.
 
Immediate Opportunity Available for your personal involvement
Currently there are openings on our Board of Directors for several enthusiastic people who would like to make a direct impact on the future of jazz in Kentucky. Won't you please consider providing us with your expertise, time and energy to benefit our jazz community? The minimum requirements to be a board member are that you must be a current member of JAF in good standing and be willing to attend at least 9 of the 12 monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8 PM. (Go to the About JAF page on this site for 2013 meeting places.) We are an all-volunteer "working" board, so you may be expected to serve on at least one committee for various projects throughout the year; but the time you spend will usually be minimal. And, you don't necessarily need to be a jazz fan to be on the board - we need men and women from all walks of life and with every skill.
 
2013 BOARD MEMBER AND OFFICERS ELECTION
The Jazz Arts Foundation elected new board members and officers at the December 5, 2012 board meeting.  The board still has openings for members and the office of Treasurer is open - if you are interested, send an email to President, Dave McWhorter or Secretary, Ron Allen immediately. Check the About JAF page for the complete list of 2013 board of directors and officers.  We encourage all who are interested to please volunteer your services - you are needed to help our organization to continue and to grow.
 
For more information, answers to questions, and/or to volunteer, please contact Dave McWhorter, JAF President, by phone at (859) 273-5193 or Email.  You can also always contact the webmaster.
 
SITE LAST UPDATED
05/14/2013
 
 
If you find problems with the content on this site, would like to add or change content,
or would like to offer suggestions, please contact the WEBMASTER.
Thank you.
JAZZIZ Swoosh logo
Official Jazz Magazine of The Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc.
JAF members receive a 30% discount - click the 'About JAF' tab for more information.
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The Jazz Arts Foundation is grateful for an IBM On Demand Community Grant which was used to fund the creation of this site for the first year of its operation.  The continuation of IBM’s strong commitment to the community through its On Demand Community program is greatly appreciated.