COMMUNITY
ALL THAT JAZZ NONPROFIT HITS A HIGH NOTE
What ’ s the May Entertainment Issue without some jazz ? We ’ re turning the community spotlight on Jazz Houston , a local nonprofit dedicated to creating and preserving a swinging , world-class resident Jazz Orchestra comprising the finest musicians and programming that demonstrates the richness and variety of jazz from all of its eras .
JAZZ HOUSTON realizes the dream of many Houstonians and Texans by creating an institution that nurtures and promotes a genuine passion for jazz music , its players and its history in the city , state , region , nation and world . The organization is led by world-renowned jazz trombonist and educator , VINCENT GARDNER , who has been a resident member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for more than 15 years and has traveled the world extensively , performing and educating audiences , students and musicians about America ’ s music .
The foundation of Jazz Houston is their swinging , 15-piece full-time resident orchestra , where world-class musicians perform music that shares the richness and variety found across all eras of jazz . As only the second arts organization in the US to support such an orchestra , Jazz Houston explores the array of styles within jazz , while celebrating and preserving its rich history . To showcase the diverse musical and cultural heritage of Houston , the organization also strives to collaborate with artists from other genres including gospel , pop , classical and R & B . They also intend to create experiences that mesh jazz with other performing arts disciplines such as theater , opera and ballet .
In the words of Gardner , “ Houston is a vibrant , soulful , multicultural city that has always loved and supported its musicians and their music . Houstonians have a deep connection to jazz through their love of the blues , their close geographical and cultural ties to Louisiana , and their many major jazz contributors . We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this vision for an internationally recognized jazz organization to this city .”
For more information on the 2017 – 2018 inaugural season , “ Space City is Swingtown ,“ visit www . jazzhouston . org .
By Tim Moloney
44 LOCAL | may 17