The Jazz Education Network will present its 8th annual conference in New Orleans, LA, January 4 - 7, 2017, with world-class performers and presenters, and feature GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist/recording artist Kirk Whalum as Keynote Speaker.

“We are excited about our 2017 Conference’s wide range of activities, workshops, day and evening performances, and special fund-raising events,” says JEN President Caleb Chapman. “There will be something engaging and enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re a live jazz fan, an educator looking to share research with peers, a student looking to grow as a musician, or a company with great products and educational materials to exhibit.”

In addition, this year marks the First Annual JEN Scholarship Concert, a special evening of friends, music and philanthropy the evening of Friday, January 7, 2017. The exclusive fundraising event, which requires a separate ticket for entry, will raise funds specifically for new scholarships and education initiatives. It will give promising jazz students the unique opportunity to perform alongside this year’s participants, including The Jeff Coffin & Caleb Chapman “Inside of the Outside Project” (featuring Branford Marsalis, David Paich, Randy Brecker, Kirk Whalum, Victor Wooten, Rashawn Ross, Stanton Moore, Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Dagradi, John Beasley, and The Crescent Super Band).

Other highlights include:

Evening Performances: The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Eastman Chamber Jazz with David Paich, Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Randy Brecker/Ada Rovatti Quintet featuring Shelly Berg and the Miami Trio, Kim Nazarian, Ellis Marsalis Quintet, Ed Calle & Mamblue, The Royal Bopsters, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Army Blues “Pershing’s Own,” and many more.

The JENerations Jazz Festival, held in conjunction with the annual JEN Conference, in which more than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians of all ages participate in an exciting weekend of jazz!

Ellis Marsalis

The conference will host four days of live performances by professional, student, and community groups; educational clinics; research presentations; jazz industry/music business sessions, an industry exhibition, and networking and outreach opportunities.

Conference badges are available for immediate purchase online, with an online discount offered through December 15, 2016. Must be a JEN member to register. To see a full conference lineup and to register, visit Conference Central at JazzEdNet.org.

ABOUT THE JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK

The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences. With a home base in the United States, and members in more than 23 countries, this thriving organization hosts a popular annual conference that serves teachers, students, artists, performing arts presenters, music industry partners, and enthusiasts. JEN runs ongoing programs of scholarships and awards for students and educators, student composition showcases, community outreach, music and instrument donations to schools in need, and mentoring with jazz pros and students.

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