Jazz Outreach Initiative
February 2025 Community Spotlight
Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) has become a nationally recognized jazz nonprofit whose mission “connects the language of music to the language of life through education, outreach, and performances.” Those three pillars represent exceptional programs which reach every age group and demographic in Southern Nevada and beyond, with a primary focus on the area’s youth.
JOI’s most public facing program is its iconic “Jazz Vegas Orchestra,” a full 18-piece big band comprised of the area’s top jazz musicians. The “JVO” performs nearly 30 times per year at venues like Notoriety, Vic’s, Starbright Theater, and The Smith Center.
JOI’s youth centered programs include “Buzzin’ in Brass” which presents age-appropriate jazz education through the JOI Jazz Brass Quintet to Title I elementary schools. “Jazz Routes” offers individually selected needy children with a music instrument, and uniquely, a year of donor sponsored private lessons to learn to play it. The Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra is a citywide collective of young musicians from middle through high school who in addition to performing together in a big band, also learn jazz language, arranging, and band leadership skills which are spotlighted at their performances. A subset of the “LVYJO”, the combos, perform professionally at high profile and private events across the valley and are led by the students themselves. February 14-15 represents the 6th Annual Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Festival, two full days and evenings of high school big band performances from across the western USA, clinics, masterclasses, jam sessions, and more, culminating in a rousing final concert. Essentially Ellington, Jazz for Young People Concerts which present education-centered performances to thousands of kids, are licensed to “JOI” through Jazz at Lincoln Center through its affiliation with them.
All JOI’s programs, concerts, and events can be found at Jazz Outreach Initiative,* along with information to subscribe to e-newsletters and to support its mission financially and as volunteers or board members.
Join Us In Making A Difference
The best way to support Jazz Outreach Initiative is by attending its many performances and events, especially those of the Jazz Vegas Orchestra where audiences ensure this uniquely American art form continues to thrive in the Entertainment Capitol of the World. At these performances, ticket sales and donations support not only the musicians themselves, but many of our youth projects.
In March, the Jazz Vegas Orchestra will kick off its 4-concert series at Myron’s at The Smith Center with an outstanding concert themed around women jazz composers in recognition of Women’s History Month. The band will feature legendary founder of the Diva Jazz Orchestra, drummer Sherrie Maricle. Tickets can be found on The Smith Center site and on the JazzVegas.org calendar.
Support the Cause
Join the JOI Jazz Alliance, a volunteer wing of dedicated and enthusiastic jazz lovers who will help us continue building a world-class jazz community and culture for Southern Nevada.
Make a Donation
Your donation helps the Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) promote the cultivation of jazz music through performance, education and advocacy. Consider donating today.
Visit jazzoutreachinitiative.org to learn more about the programs and services of Jazz Outreach Initiative. *Note: Lexicon Bank’s website and/or mobile terms, privacy and security policies don’t apply to the site you’re about to visit. Please review its terms, privacy and security policies to see how they apply to you. Lexicon Bank isn’t responsible for (and doesn’t provide) any products, services, or content at this third-party site, except for products and services that explicitly carry the Lexicon Bank name.
You Might Like ...
Mondays Dark
