Jazz Congress

01/06/2026

Touring across the African continent offers extraordinary artistic opportunities—but it also requires unique knowledge, cultural awareness, financial support, and logistical preparation. Dan Israel of Jazz at Lincoln Center hosts “Touring Africa: Opportunities, Realities, and Best Practices,” a panel that brings together professionals with hands-on experience across regions including West, East, and South Africa. Panelists include Bernard Gama Ayisa (Ghana Jazz Foundation) and Stefanie Schumann (Delicious Tunes) [PICTURED HERE].

01/05/2026

On Thursday at 4 pm, Open Studio's Peter Martin and Adam Maness will record a live edition of their “You’ll Hear It” podcast in the Appel Room.

01/05/2026

All the Jazz Congress sessions in the Appel Room can be streamed free of charge at https://www.jazzlive.com/browse OR http://jazz.org/watchjc

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01/05/2026

With so many media outlets either shrinking or shutting down, jazz artists and organizations must adapt to getting coverage for their recordings and shows. During “The Changing Media Landscape” panel, hosted by Larry Blumenfeld, media professionals and digital creators from various segments of the jazz community discuss strategies for navigating a world with limited opportunities for publicity and promotion. Panelists include Mike Flynn (Jazzwise), Lydia Liebman (Lydia Liebman PR), Marcus J. Moore (New York Times) and Suraya Mohamed (NPR Music) [pictured here].

01/05/2026

One significant revenue stream for jazz artists can be the placement of their music in film, television and advertising. In the “Placing Jazz in Film, Television and Commercials” session, moderated by Mike Todd of ASCAP, experts in that field explain the various strategies and challenges of having your music used in those areas. Panelists include Joe Giammalvo (Wise Music), Susan Jacobs (SueperVision), Marcus Miller and Peter Nashel (Duotone Audio Group).

01/03/2026

NPR, as well as both member and non-member public radio stations, have traditionally been significant supporters of jazz, locally and nationally. With so many drastic cuts in Federal funding, those stations are facing unprecedented fiscal challenges. Leaders in public radio discuss their strategies for staying strong in the face of economic uncertainty. Moderated by Scott Hanley (WZUM/Pittsburgh Public Media) [PICTURED HERE], the “Future of Public Radio” panel features Bill Johnson (WRTI), Marta McLellan Ross (NPR), Ken Poston (KSDS) and Steve Williams (WBGO).

01/02/2026

The “Mentoring for Succession” panel will discuss how, in recent years, many jazz organizations have had to transition from longtime founders or leaders to a successive generation. A new generation of leaders talk about the importance of mentoring for an effective transfer of power and responsibility. Moderated by John Gilbreath (Western Jazz Presenters Network), the session features Chanel Enriquez (Kuumbwa Jazz Center) [PHOTO ABOVE], Alberto Ibarrondo (Vitoria Jazz Festival) and Alycia Mack (International Music Network).

01/02/2026

The “Exploring the Value of Jazz Archives” panel, hosted by Loren Schoenberg (National Jazz Museum of Harlem), brings together experts to explore how musicians, researchers, educators, and arts presenters can effectively access and use archival materials. Panelists include Etienne Charles, David Demsey (Living Jazz Archive), Claudia Morales (Library of Congress) and Patti Williams (The Smithsonian).

01/01/2026

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Melvis Santa will host “Women in Rhythm” in which artists come together to explore rhythm as sound, movement, culture, and power. The panel celebrates rhythmic innovation while examining how women shape—and define—the rhythms that move the world. Panelists include Terri Lyne Carrington, Michela Marino Lerman and Brenda Navarrete.

12/31/2025

On the first day of Jazz Congress, Drew Tucker of Jazz Road and South Arts will host a workshop, “Funding your Future: Grant Writing Cheat Codes for Artists.” This fast-paced guide breaks down city, state, federal, and foundation grants, giving artists and educators practical strategies to align with funder priorities and avoid common mistakes.

12/30/2025

We are pleased to announce that the actor and arts activist Wendell Pierce will give the keynote address at next week's Jazz Congress.

12/30/2025

On the opening day of Jazz Congress, Gene Dobbs Bradford is moderating a panel about the Midwest Jazz Collective, as a model for building tours through strategic routing and collaboration. Panelists include: David Allee (The Jazz Kitchen); Benny Benack III; Kyle Knoke (Jazz Coterie); Brent Turney (UW-Stevens Point)