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AAJ PRO
Jazz Education Conference 2011 to Unite Industry
Dawn DeBlaze
Errand girl for rhythm and media matchmaker.Evening concert performances spotlight a collage of professional performers: Astral Project; Bobby Sanabria; Dave Liebman; Delfeayo Marsalis' Uptown Jazz Orchestra; Evan Christopher; Junior Mance; Lynne Arriale; Terell Stafford; The Dirty Dozen Brass Band; and Bunky Green.
Highlights from the school and community ensembles feature: Berklee Jazz Institute; University of Miami-Frost School of Music; African American Jazz Caucus; Thelonious Monk Institute featuring Terence Blanchard; University of New Orleans Jazz Guitar Ensemble; USC Thornton School of Music; The One O'Clock Lab Band; Caliente; and many more.
A cornerstone of JEN's mission is the "JENerosity Project." Co-Founder and Past President Mary Jo Papich says she "really tried to establish an altruistic feel" when founding the organization. JEN is asking conference attendees to once again donate used instruments, mouthpieces, music, and related items to Tipitina's Foundation, a local, New Orleans non-profit organization. Several exhibitors at the 2010 JEN Conference donated music and instruments rather than pay return shipping costs. A donation letter for tax purposes will be provided by the foundation for those donors who request one.
Lodging at the conference hotel, Roosevelt Waldorf-Astoria, sold out in September, and the overflow hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn Downtown-French Quarter, Hilton New Orleans) have since sold out. Both are indicative of the strong interest in the jazz education conference. Since plans change for some people, conference staffers encourage attendees to check back to see if any additional rooms have become available. Low rates have been negotiated on behalf of attendees at all designated hotel properties. Be sure to ask for JEN block rates.
Registration for the second annual JEN Conference takes place at jazzednet.org. A modest fee for JEN membership is required beforehand if you are not already a member. Special conference rates are available for students with valid I.D. and spouses/partners. There is no cut-off time to register.
With the combination of increased exhibitors and educational lecture offerings, JEN's education conference appears to be riding a wave of success. The conference has all the hallmarks of uniting the global jazz music community and is on track to surpass its successful statistics from the inaugural conference.
About the Author: Dawn DeBlaze manages entertainment media campaigns at DeBlaze and Associates with an emphasis on jazz. The St. Louis native edits "Jazz News" and remains active with the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA), Jazz Education Network (JEN), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Advancement of Jazz Study & Performance Advisory Council. Visit deblaze.com to learn more.
