Jazz Discovery Series

02/14/2026

A round of applause to the incredible student musicians of Jacksonville Arts and Music School, to the soulful bass and vocals of Ayanna Nelson ._thequeensday with the JL Institute , and our phenomenal headliner (2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition Winner and Master’s candidate at The Juilliard School) — the night was magic. ✨

If you weren’t there… you missed a treat.
But you can still feel the love — catch the highlights on YouTube! Link in Bio.

And if you believe in Bringing Jazz Back to Jacksonville with the next generation, consider supporting the movement. Every note continues because of you.

Believing in the next generation of Jazz.

02/14/2026

In the words of Julia Danielle Smulson — “I adore you.” ❤️🎶

And that’s exactly how the room felt on Valentine’s Day Eve. Love. Jazz. Legacy.

From our incredible student musicians of Jacksonville Arts and Music School, to the soulful bass and vocals of Ayanna Nelson with the JL Institute , and our phenomenal headliner (2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition Winner and Master’s candidate at The Juilliard School) — the night was magic. ✨

If you weren’t there… you missed a treat.
But you can still feel the love — catch the highlights on YouTube! Link in Bio.

And if you believe in Bringing Jazz Back to Jacksonville with the next generation, consider supporting the movement. Every note continues because of you.

Believing in the next generation of Jazz.

01/09/2026

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 13th, with an unforgettable night of jazz featuring Julia Danielle Smulson , a dynamic vocalist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Chicago and New York.

Julia was the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition Winner and has led her band at notable venues and festivals, including Blues Alley Jazz Club, Chris’ Jazz Café, The Jazz Showcase, and The Hyde Park Jazz Fest. Her debut album, released in November 2024, has been praised for its fresh sound and unique interpretation.

Don’t miss this explosive installment of Jazz Discovery Series, where the future of jazz, Julia Danielle Smulson, takes the stage, bringing the soul of jazz to life with every note.

📆 Friday, February 13, 2026
⏰ 7 PM
📍

Believing in the next generation of Jazz.

09/30/2025

Empowering the creative leaders of tomorrow…

09/05/2025

Jazz is Back!

Chicago bassist & bandleader Jeremiah Hunt () delivers unstoppable grooves that blend jazz, funk, blues, and rock straight from legendary stages like Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, and Andy’s.

He’s performed alongside greats like Victor Goines, Pharez Whitted, and Marquis Hill — and now he’s bringing that same fire to Jacksonville.

Feel the soul. Feel the groove. Don’t miss your chance to experience the future of jazz with JDS, live and in motion.
LINK IN BIO

05/27/2025

TOMORROW Jacksonville, get ready! The Jazz Discovery Series believes that the future of jazz depends on the support of rising talent. Join us May 28 at for an unforgettable night headlined by the incredibly gifted bassist , straight from the halls of Oberlin College & Conservatory.

With performances by and , this isn’t just another concert — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the timeless soul of jazz.

Let’s make memories. Let’s honor the legacy. Let’s bring jazz back to Jax.

🎟️ Tickets in bio!
📆 May 28, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
📍The Lecture Hall at The Jessie

04/23/2025

Bringing Jazz back to Jacksonville with the next generation.

This Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 3-7pm |

Join us for the Jazz Discovery Series - The Reintroduction: On Duke Ellington’s birthday! A vibrant evening of jazz, fun, and philanthropy. Bring your friends, enjoy handcrafted drinks at Manifest Distilling,  960 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, and know that every sip supports emerging artists, with a portion of bar sales benefiting JDS.
 
This isn’t just an event—it’s your chance to help bring jazz back to Jacksonville.

02/11/2025

Kick off the festivities with the talented Jacksonville Arts Music School Jazz Combo, followed by our incredible JL Artist of the Month, Josh Freed. And don’t miss the grand finale—the sensational Jazz Bishops will light up the stage!

Remember, seats are limited, so make sure to register and secure your spot for this amazing night at the Jesse Ball Dupont. We can’t wait to see you on Friday, February 14th, for a magical evening of jazz and love!

REGISTER LINK:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1200288708839?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/28/2024

This Friday, the Jessie DuPont Center is hosting the Jazz Discovery Series again! For November we are bringing in The Ryan Devlin Quartet, along with the JL Institute and Jacksonville Arts & Music School (JAMS) House Davis! This an event you do not want to miss so please reserve your tickets as seating is limited.

The Jazz Discovery Series presents Jazz at The Jessie featuring The Ryan Devlin Quartet. Come see the Ryan Devlin Trio live in concert!