The Seattle Jazz Fellowship is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 registered not-for-profit corporation. The organization is funded via five revenue sources: annual memberships, corporate sponsorship, grants, ticket sales and individual donations. Where possible, we partner with other jazz and community organizations to carry out our work and assist others in the promotion of jazz music.
Our mission is to build community, provide access to the mentorship cycle, incentivize excellence and to lower the barriers to access jazz for both performers and listeners.
WHAT WE CHAMPION
The Music - is a unifying force of nature, capable of lifting spirits and easing minds. Its history, traditions, and culture require our action to perpetuate.
Local Artists - are the backbone of our jazz community and the music can’t exist without them. We prioritize investing in people by building community in a space that fosters creative play and sharing art for the sake of sharing art.
Mentorship - Mentorship happens on the bandstand. It has propelled the music forward for the past 100 years and is the key to sustaining the continuum (past, present, and future) of the music.
Community - is our primary asset as advocates for jazz. Inclusive collaboration between people and organizations that care about jazz helps us move the music forward, keep it vibrant, relevant and thriving.
Brilliance, Joy, & Fun - are how we will attract, engage and sustain audiences and maintain a reputation as a world-class jazz city.
Equity - is what we heavily prioritize in our booking decisions. We strive to forge equitable booking experiences, ensuring diverse representation and accessibility in every decision we make.
HOW WE WORK
We provide access to the bandstand, prioritizing local jazz musicians.
We facilitate mentorship across generations, across experiences.
We partner with organizations who share our vision.
We experiment - we are forever students of this form and our community.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Everyone: Show up!
Members: Join / renew.
Musicians: Reach out with your ideas for engagement/partnership.
Community: Hold us accountable to this work and help us live our values.
OUR VISION
At Seattle Jazz Fellowship, we envision a dynamic and inclusive jazz community, reflecting our vibrant diversity through music that resonates with every soul. Our goal is to foster frequent gatherings of local jazz talents, ensuring access to mentorship and fair compensation. We aim to captivate audiences in a dedicated space, unite jazz-loving organizations, and encourage collective efforts to sustain and expand the love and appreciation for jazz in our community.