We focus on performance opportunities for female vocalists and instrumentalists. The Mission of the Women in Jazz Association, Inc. is to provide performance opportunities and experiences for non-professional and professional vocalists and instrumentalists in the Austin metropolitan area. The objectives of the Women in Jazz Project are:
1. To provide a venue to non-professional and professional female vocalists and instrumentalists who are not regularly featured in Austin area venues;
2. To foster the growth of jazz appreciation to residents not familiar to this American tradition;
3. To provide professional development in the performance and music industry to Austin residents;
5. To provide quality entertainment to Austin residents who look forward to this concert every year; and
6. To increase the quality of life for all Austin citizens through jazz music. Since 1994, the Women in Jazz Association, Inc has had as part of its programming concerts by local and national musicians, including youth concerts, and workshops for singers and musicians of all ages. The Women in Jazz Association has presented the legendary vocalists such as Miss Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves and Rachelle Farrell and instrumentalists such as Jazz in Pink, Jessy J and Joyce Cooling. Moreover, many local performers have had opportunities to open for these national acts, including Suzi Stern, Mady Kaye, Donna Hightower, Sondra Johnson, Hope Morgan, Pamela Hart, Courtney Sanchez and many others. Women in Jazz has also educated Austin about legendary jazz performs by hosting tribute concerts to Damita Jo Deblanc, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. Women in Jazz collaborated with One World Theatre in 2014 for A Celebration of Love with Nada Stearns, Pamela Hart and Thomas Hughes. In 2015, Women in Jazz presented A Night at the Café Society celebrating 100 years of Billie Holiday April 19, 2015; A Tribute to Jazz Legends September 4, 2015; and A Jazzy Ladies’ Night on September 11, 2015. In 2016, Women in Jazz presented “This Will Be! A Tribute to Great Divas” in recognition of Natalie Cole and Phyllis Hyman. Youth play a major component in Women in Jazz programs. In January 2016, for example, Women in Jazz presented the 4th annual ATX Youth Summit, a full day of artistic activities held at the Carver Museum. Women in Jazz will present the “You Can Sing! Vocal Performance Workshop and Keep it Real Jazz Youth Concert in September 2016. is sponsored by Austin Cab Company, IBM, AustinWoman Magazine, the Villager Newspaper, The Austin Chronicle, Majestic Design Group, Soulciti, HartBeat Productions, Cedar Park McDonalds, Austin Revitalization Authority and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.
