About Living Jazz
Transforming Lives Since 1984
Our Mission
Living Jazz Transforms Lives-
through the music, spirit, and culture of jazz in the Bay Area community, by educating students and artists of all ages and abilities.
The programs of Living Jazz are known not only for their artistic quality, but also for their commitment to build community based on diversity, inclusion and accessibility; the distinctive way in which they encourage and support artists of all skill levels; and the artistic and personal growth they foster in participants of all ages.
Living Jazz has developed a reputation for designing and launching programs that go on to become Bay Area treasures, as well as for incubating programs to the point of maturity at which time they successfully spin off to stand on their own, and continue to develop and grow independently.
Where We Started
LJ created the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), in 1986 whose concept came from the popular all-camp gospel choir at Jazz Camp.
OIGC became its own independent corporation in 1991 and is a thriving touring and recording group of 55 vocalists under the musical direction of Terrance Kelly.
Living Jazz was originally established in 1984 to save a faltering small summer music camp for teens and adults held in Cazadero, California. Jazz Camp West, an 8-day jazz music, dance and vocal program held in La Honda, No. CA is now one of the world’s leading jazz immersion programs.
The Fall and Spring Music Series was created in 1990, the first accessible educational opportunity that Bay Area residents of all skill levels had to leading jazz artists in the local community. This program evolved into an intensive weekend event entitled RhythmVoice, and then later known as Jazz Camp Weekend, providing access to over 30 all-star jazz artists and a multitude of classes, workshops, and performances held at Mills College in Oakland for 11 years. With the advent of the California Jazz Conservatory, which provides year round exposure to jazz education in a group format, Stacey Hoffman joined the advisory board and continues to support this outstanding work.
Living Jazz off-shoot program, Oakland Jazz Choir
LJ created the Oakland Jazz Choir (OJC) in 1992 as a way to provide training and performance opportunities to Bay Area jazz vocalists. OJC became an independent corporation in 2005 and is now a 15-member group bringing the love of choral jazz to Bay Area venues under the musical direction of Ben Flint.
In 2002, LJ created In the Name of Love, The Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Tribute is an extensive cultural event that brings our diverse community together to honor, through music, the teachings and memory of the great Dr. King. In the Name of Love serves as the final showcase for the Living Jazz Children’s Choral Project and features outstanding local and international talent.
In 2005, in an effort to help fill the gap in music education in the Oakland public school system, LJ established the Living Jazz Children’s Project (LJCP), a free music education program for under-resourced Oakland public elementary Schools. LJCP was created originally as a choral program but was expanded in 2014 to include an adjunct rhythm component to further prepare students for band/orchestra starting in 4th grade. In 2022, LJCP expanded into West Contra Costa County, and begun offering dance education in the forms of Brazilian, Cuban, and TURF dance. These disciplines furthers LJCP’s commitment to social justice by bringing non-Eurocentric and jazz related disciplines to the fore.
In 2008, LJ launched Jam Camp West, a 7-day music, dance and vocal program designed specifically for 9-16 year olds of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Jam Camp is an alternative to traditional band/orchestra camps providing a contemporary curriculum for beginning through experienced campers in the stunning redwoods of Loma Mar, No CA.
In 2010, LJ launched Jazz Search West, the Bay Area’s Annual Jazz Talent Search to provide recognition and exposure to pre-professional vocalists and instrumentalists, and to inspire and motivate emerging artists.
In 2005, Living Jazz branched out to address the inequities in the arts in the local Oakland Public School District.
In 2005, in an effort to help fill the gap in music education in the Oakland public school system, LJ established the Living Jazz Children’s Project (LJCP), a free music education program for under-resourced Oakland public elementary Schools. LJCP was created originally as a choral program but was expanded in 2014 to include an adjunct rhythm component to further prepare students for band/orchestra starting in 4th grade. In 2022, LJCP expanded into West Contra Costa County, and begun offering dance education in the forms of Brazilian, Cuban, and TURF dance. These disciplines furthers LJCP’s commitment to social justice by bringing non-Eurocentric and jazz related disciplines to the fore.
In 2008, LJ launched Jam Camp West, a 7-day music, dance and vocal program designed specifically for 9-16 year olds of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Jam Camp is an alternative to traditional band/orchestra camps providing a contemporary curriculum for beginning through experienced campers in the stunning redwoods of Loma Mar, No CA.
In 2010, LJ launched Jazz Search West, the Bay Area’s Annual Jazz Talent Search to provide recognition and exposure to pre-professional vocalists and instrumentalists, and to inspire and motivate emerging artists.
In 2015, Living Jazz produced its first Fundraising Spectacular, Jazz at the Mansion. This exclusive annual gala raises funds for Living Jazz programs, while providing a unique opportunity to witness legendary Bay Area artists in an intimate and unique setting.
In 2020, in response to the consequences of the pandemic, Living Jazz launched the Pickup Sessions to address serious issues around food insecurity and the stigma and shame often associated with them. Live music performances aim to transform the act of standing in line for food, beverages, and essential supplies into a joyous musical celebration that honors the neighborhood’s history as a center of West Coast blues, jazz, funk, soul and R&B and begins to reclaim the cultural value of a once flourishing African American neighborhood decimated by government policies.
In 2020, Living Jazz created the Call & Response Series, a unique series of intimate conversations featuring many of the world's most iconic jazz musicians. As our community sheltered in place, Living Jazz worked towards providing exposure to meaningful, in-depth conversations by jazz luminaries focused around inspiring and relevant topics.
Living Jazz believes that exposure to music and music education, no matter what age or background, is a unifier and equalizer among people, and a profound vehicle for personal and creative growth.